5 Tips to Maintain Your Health with Pulmonary Fibrosis

Patients with pulmonary fibrosis who are active in taking care of their own health, frequently find themselves with better results in the long run. Here are a few notes to help you maximize self-care (source: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation website):

1. Reach support groups. There are national groups, communities and chat rooms designed to help and assist patients with pulmonary fibrosis. It’s very useful to see how others manage the disease, and it may give you new insight.
2. Take notes during your visits. You will most likely be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information there is to know about your condition. Take a small notebook and jot down what you feel is important to remember later on.
3. Speak up. If you’re unsure about anything about your treatments or about the disease in general, it’s of utmost importance you talk to your care providers. Their job is to make sure you’re “in the loop” and they will assist you with any problems  regarding your condition.
4. Let your loved ones share your burden. Suffering from pulmonary fibrosis is hard and you shouldn’t go through the journey alone, most people will need the support of family and friends.  Your emotional health is of equal importance to your physical health, so don’t be afraid of arriving at an appointment with your best friend or trusted one. They’re the ones who can help you accomplish your goals.
5. Stay informed. The best thing anyone can do is to stay informed – about the disease, about managing the disease, about recognising certain symptoms, about when to access health care services… Be advised that there’s a lot of false information on the internet; to ensure you’re reading up on all the latest and correct information available, be sure to access it via reliable sources, such as advocacy groups and respected scientific/medical sources.

Learn more about pulmonary fibrosis: http://bit.ly/1VElTQA

Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.