NHS Lanarkshire is supporting Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Week which takes place 19-25 September.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for lungs to work properly.
Pulmonary fibrosis causes thousands of deaths each year in the UK and is on the rise. Many people have not heard of the disease so, during Pulmonary Fibrosis Week, NHS Lanarkshire’s physiotherapy service is raising awareness of the disease.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis may include:
- shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- a dry cough
- fatigue
- unexplained weight loss
- aching muscles and joints
- widening and rounding of the tips of the fingers or toes (clubbing)
There is currently no cure for IPF, but there are several treatments that can help relieve the symptoms and slow down its progression. If you have struggled with your breathing for a while, or have had a cough for more than three weeks, contact your GP. These symptoms are not normal and should not be ignored.
Jennifer McDonald, pulmonary rehab physiotherapist, University Hospital Hairmyres, said: “It’s not clear what causes idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but it usually affects people around 70-75 years of age and is rare in people under 50.
“Many people ignore their breathlessness at first and blame it on getting old or being out of shape. Eventually, even light activity such as getting dressed can cause shortness of breath so I would encourage anyone who is having difficulty with their breathing to get it checked out.”
Newarthill resident Tom Callaghan has been living with IPF for over 10 years. He was diagnosed early and has been treated with medication which he feels has contributed greatly to slowing the effects of the condition. Tom attends University Hospital Monklands on a regular basis and has developed a strong relationship with the pulmonary fibrosis team.
Since his diagnosis, Tom has retired but maintains an active and positive life which he attributes to keeping himself busy. Tom said: “There seemed to be a lack of support for patients suffering from pulmonary fibrosis and it was often difficult to know where to turn to or where to find support.
“For those reasons, it inspired me to set up a Lanarkshire-wide pulmonary fibrosis support group Facebook page which is supported by the charity, Action on Pulmonary Fibrosis. I’d encourage patients, carers and family members to join the private group as this will give them the chance to chat and share their experiences, ask and answer questions and make new friends. All interactions on the private group will be confidential.”
For more information, or to join the pulmonary fibrosis support group, visit:
- Facebook (public) – https://www.facebook.com/LanarkshirePFSG
- Facebook (private) – https://www.facebook.com/groups/816160442703530
For further information on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, visit NHS Inform at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/lungs-and-airways/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis/
