Support for pulmonary fibrosis

Looking after yourself

If you have pulmonary fibrosis, there is also a lot you can do to help yourself by leading a healthy lifestyle. Feeling very tired is a common symptom and health problems that used to be minor - such as catching a cold – can become more serious.

Following these tips will help keep your strength up, reduce your risk of complications and help you feel better generally:

• Have a flu jab each year, and avoid being around people with colds.
   
• Ask your nurse for a pneumococcal vaccination. This is a jab you have just once to protect against pneumonia and many other infections.
   
• Stay as fit as you can. It’s recommended we all do 150 minutes of exercise each week.
   
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight. It’s a good idea to ask your doctor or nurse if they can refer you to a dietician, who can give you tailor-made advice.

Emotions and enjoying life

As well as taking good care of your body, it’s important to look after your mental health. When you have a serious condition like pulmonary fibrosis, it’s common to have emotional struggles too. Your doctor or nurse will understand if you are feeling low, and they can help.

It’s important to keep enjoying life and we can help with practical advice on staying active. We can also put you in touch with your local Breathe Easy patient group or pulmonary fibrosis support group. Call our helpline for more information.

Pulmonary fibrosis support groups

Being diagnosed and living with a lung condition can be challenging. Our support groups can help you to make new friends who know what you're going through, and get lots of information about pulmonary fibrosis.

Find your nearest pulmonary fibrosis support group >

Other help for pulmonary fibrosis

• Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust
• Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Arthritis Research UK - information about connective tissue disease and immunosuppressant drugs.