5 Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Providers If You Have Pulmonary Fibrosis

When it comes to understanding pulmonary fibrosis, asking your healthcare providers any questions you may have should always be your first option. Unlike an unknown source on the Internet or that friend of a friend who suffers from the same condition, your healthcare providers are trained and studied for years to be able to answer your questions, especially as they relate to your situation.

MORE: Only half of IPF patients talk to doctors about treatments

According to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, here are a few questions you may want to ask:

1. How will PF limit what I do?
You, more than anyone, know your own body and how you feel in your usual environment. However, be sure to ask your doctors advice if you’re planning to take a trip that may involve a long car ride, high altitudes or other environmental aspects that are different from your usual routine.

Connect with other patients and share tips on how to manage PF in our forums!

2. How should I proceed if I have a problem with my PF?
If you have a chronic disease, then you should have an action plan. Ask how you should proceed if you have a problem and what steps to take. Who should you call? Where should you go? What should you do when a caregiver isn’t available? Who should you call if you have any concerns at all in regards to your care? These are all important questions that your healthcare provider will be well-equipped to answer.

3. When should I switch my treatment?
You may need to change your treatment many times throughout your journey. Diseases evolve and change rapidly and you must change with them. When you feel like the treatment you’re on is not making much of a difference or isn’t working well, you’ll need to discuss it with your healthcare provider so you can find an alternative. On the other hand, you may also want to switch treatments even if your treatment is working as there might be better options available. The best way to keep yourself up to date on any new and improved treatments is to talk to your doctor.

MORE: Boehringer Ingelheim, Inventiva collaborate to find new idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatments

4. Can a treatment clash with my medication?
The short answer is yes, it can. It’s key that you communicate with your healthcare providers to ensure that doesn’t happen. Always keep your team updated with all medications you’re taking regularly, even things you might not think are relevant, like over-the-counter medication or vitamins. This will help your doctors make sure that there are no harmful interactions with your medication.

5. Should I enroll in a clinical trial?
Choosing if you should or should not enroll in a clinical trial will depend on many factors, including whether or not there are any other treatment choices available to you. If you’re interested, your healthcare provider will talk to you about the nitty-gritty of getting involved in a clinical trial. Are there any occurring in your area? Are they the right fit for you? Do you have other options? Is your current condition compatible with it? These are all things you absolutely will need to discuss with your medical team before you sign up.

MORE: AdAlta’s shark antibody, potential way of treating lung fibrosis, nearing first clinical trial

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 another 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.