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Altitude and IPF
I am 82 and living at 4000 ft elevation. Will moving to a lower elevation make it easier to breathe? I have been told that it will for a while but I will eventually acclimate…
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7 Replies
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Hi I had to cancel Our trip Pikes Peek this summer. Hope the move helps.
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Well, we’re from Florida and travel in our RV. My husband was diagnosed with IPF in 2020 and didn’t need oxygen until visiting Denver at 5500’ elevation. When we returned to lower elevation he didn’t need oxygen anymore. His IPF has progressed and now he needs it all the time but mostly upon exertion.
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Hi Sally, I used to live at 6500’ elevation when I was diagnosed with IPF at age 56. I was on supplemental oxygen 24/7. We moved to 300’ elevation and I no longer need oxygen for daily living. I have been in pulmonary rehab for 3 years and I can now jog on the treadmill without oxygen! When I visit my old home, I have to use oxygen. When I am at 4000’, I have to use oxygen while walking. The decreased air pressure and oxygen levels at high altitudes makes it harder for our lungs to pull the air in. Even though I miss living in the mountains, being able to breathe and to be active like a “normal” person is really important for my well-being. If you move to a lower elevation, you might be able to breathe better, but also consider your support system and the stress of moving when making your decision. Some doctors say that eventually I might need oxygen at this elevation as my disease progresses. I’ll keep exercising to try to prevent that from happening! Best to you with your decision.
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I live at sea level and require supplemental oxygen upon exertion or high stress. Visited the mountains last week and needed supplemental oxygen 24/7. Definitely makes it harder to breathe when in higher elevations.
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I also live at sea level and have a regular walking program with no difficulties at present.I was a recreational runner for 25 years but can not jog very far now.
Last December I went to National Jewish hospital in Denver for an annual assessment and was shut down after 2 minutes on the 6 minute walk test.The difference is clearly altitude.
I am diagnosed with IPF since 2017.
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We went to Denver in May and I had major breathing issues. Went to doctor and was diagnosed with IPF. Doing okay now. Will stay away from high attitudes going forth. 68 years old Fev1 level is 67
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At 7 years in and 74, I will be flying from the Philippines soon to the US without O2. Should be interesting…
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