Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious condition that is estimated to affect roughly five million people throughout the world. Several different factors can lead to pulmonary fibrosis, like breathing in pollutants, ingesting certain antibiotics, certain types of infection and cigarette smoking, but there are also many cases in which the cause is unknown. It’s important to take preventative steps to avoid being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, but if you’ve already contracted this lung disease, there are many steps to help you take back control of your life and still participate in the things you enjoy. The more you learn about pulmonary fibrosis, the better equipped you are to fight it and keep living the life you want to lead. Learn more about how to begin controlling your disease and stop letting it control you.
Educate Yourself on Pulmonary Fibrosis
Before you can really fight back against pulmonary fibrosis, you need to have a full understanding of what the disease is and how it works. Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that makes it very difficult to breathe because the tiny sacs located in your lungs, which are called alveoli, become tight and constricted. The responsibility of these air sacs is extremely important because the body relies on them to take in oxygen on an inhale and give back carbon dioxide on the exhale. Fibrosis, which just means scar tissue, may begin to collect near these air sacs, making the exchange very difficult. Understanding what is taking place in your body will help you understand how it can be treated and reduced. Many pulmonary fibrosis nonprofits offer free information on the disease itself and treatment options in the area.
Get Involved with a Pulmonary Fibrosis Nonprofit
If you’re suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, you are not alone. Many people who are suffering from the disease feel empowered when they have an opportunity to get involved with a pulmonary fibrosis nonprofit to educate others on treatment options and connect with fellow patients. You’ll meet other people having similar experiences and get the chance to share your story and learn about others. Staying involved with pulmonary fibrosis nonprofits can also keep you in the loop on the latest research and treatments to help you cope with your symptoms in the best way possible.
Read Up on Clinical Trials
Though there is no actual cure for pulmonary fibrosis yet, medical professionals are constantly working on new clinical trials that may be able to stop the disease altogether. Stay on top of what’s happening in the world of research to know when breakthroughs are made and discover new treatment options to ease symptoms and let you do the things you love to do every day. If you’re interested in being a part of the studies, you can seek out trials looking for volunteers and find out if you’re a promising candidate for the study. Your participation in the study will further our medical knowledge of the disease, leading to new treatments and hopefully even a cure.
Explore Treatment Options
A cure for pulmonary fibrosis may not exist, but many different treatment options are available to slow down the progress of the disease and ease symptoms at the same time. Once you’ve been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, it’s best to speak with a doctor or a pulmonary fibrosis rehab specialist to determine which of these treatments is best in your case.
Medication
Several newer medications exist on the market that have been approved by the FDA for the purpose of decelerating the disease. Most of the time, these medications are prescribed to patients who have been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis—a version of the disease where the cause is unknown.
Oxygen Therapy
When breathing is one of the toughest parts of your day, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to do the things you once loved. But, oxygen therapy can be a miracle treatment option that allows you to breathe easier, move around and even exercise. Your doctor is likely to recommend oxygen therapy if your oxygen level ever falls below 88 percent, so speak with a medical professional to determine if this is an option for you.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
If you’re looking for ways to take back your life and stop letting pulmonary fibrosis control you, then this treatment option is exactly what you need. Through counseling, breathing methods and physical exercises, pulmonary rehab teaches patients all the skills they need to move through their daily lives without letting pulmonary fibrosis stand in the way.
Just because pulmonary fibrosis is a part of your everyday life doesn’t mean it needs to be the only part of your life. Your disease is not you. To help you take control back, start educating yourself on the condition and look for ways to receive treatment to ease symptoms. You can also get involved with a pulmonary fibrosis nonprofit to build a support network and help others too.
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