September is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness month

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a disease that scars the lungs making it increasingly harder to breathe.

Did you know that in the UK, over 5,000 people die every year of PF – higher figures than ovarian cancer or leukaemia?

What is pulmonary fibrosis (or lung scarring)?

PF describes scar tissue in the lungs. The scarring makes the lungs less stretchy and stiffer. This means it’s makes the lungs work harder than normal, which causes the body to use less oxygen.

What are the causes of pulmonary fibrosis?

In most cases of pulmonary fibrosis, a specific cause cannot be found, which means it is ‘idiopathic’ i.e. no known cause.

Causes that can be identified include:

• being exposed to dust such as wood, metal or asbestos
• being exposed to allergens in the air i.e. mould or feathers
• a bacterial or viral infection
• a side effect of treatment or a drug.

Some types of pulmonary fibrosis are more likely to occur when you have another condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma.

Therefore, there are many types of pulmonary fibrosis, and with different causes.

What are early symptoms of PF or lung scarring?

You may:

• Feel out of breath more than usual with everyday activities, like walking upstairs; or
• Have a persistent cough (every day and lasting for more than 8 weeks).
• Feeling tired all the time.

‍What should I do if I have symptoms?

Many forms of pulmonary fibrosis tend to occur after the age of 60, so some people wrongly think they’re getting breathless because they’re getting older. Don’t assume this is the case – it may well get worse if not treated.

A cough that doesn’t go away and feeling very tired all the time are two symptoms of PF.

If you have either of the above symptoms:

1. ‍Go see your GP.
2. ‍Describe all the symptoms you have.
3. ‍Ask your GP to check your chest for a crackling sound in the lungs to see if if it pulmonary fibrosis.

You can find out more here.

If you have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, or know someone who has, and need care and support, please get in touch with our amazing team here