Knowledge is power! We hope to spread the word about IPF to empower patients and caregivers and drive interest in treatment and research to find a cure for IPF. We are participating in a national and international effort to raise awareness about Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. What is IPF? IPF is an as yet irreversible scarring process of the lungs. The two cardinal symptoms … [Read more...]
Depression and Pulmonary Fibrosis
You are not alone. Depression is a common problem for patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Common symptoms include feeling blue, loss of interest in activities that you usually enjoy, increased or decreased sleep, irritability, change in appetite, frequent crying, avoiding social situations and thoughts of hurting yourself. The symptoms of depression may be mild, moderate or … [Read more...]
Pulmonary Fibrosis & Edema: Why Are My Legs Swelling?
A common problem with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is the slow development of leg swelling or edema. This process is a maladaptive response to progressive lung disease. The heart, lungs, kidneys and brain all talk to each other through hormones. In health, the heart pumps adequate amounts of blood to the kidneys. Fluid and salt in your body are meticulously regulated. If … [Read more...]
Salute to the IPF Caregivers
Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis is a rare progressive disease. Patients may initially have mild symptoms of shortness of breath and cough. But over time as the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and more onerous. Every day activities become a chore if not impossible. Navigating the day-to-day challenges of IPF is almost impossible without a caregiver or a team of … [Read more...]
3 Resources for IPF Caregivers
Providing care for a patient with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis can be difficult and challenging. And the challenge can go on for many years. It's important to prevent caregiver burnout and to maintain your own health as well. Here are three fantastic resources for caregivers to find support themselves. 1. National Caregivers Library (www.nationalcaregiverslibrary.org) This … [Read more...]