When it comes to breathing, most of us don’t have to think about it. It is something the comes automatically and naturally, unless you’ve just become winded going up a flight of stairs. For people with pulmonary fibrosis, they know the feeling of being winded all too well. Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disease that causes scarring in the lunch and makes it difficult to breathe over time. Each September, during Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month gives us the chance to spread awareness and support people that have it.
For people with undiagnosed Pulmonary Fibrosis, it can sometimes hide in plain sight. Early symptoms can include shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough and unexplained fatigue. The unexplained fatigue can often be mistaken for aging, being out of shape or other respiratory conditions. As a result, many patients go to several rounds of doctor appointments that could take rounds during years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. By then the disease may have already progressed, which is why early detection and awareness is so important.
It is important to raise awareness for pulmonary fibrosis so that people know what they are dealing with if they have any of the early signs. The sooner people learn and can get access to doctors and treatments, the more it can make a difference that may help to slow down the disease’s progression. Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month gives the chance to spread information and encourages anyone experiencing persistent breathing issues to speak up and get checked. When it comes to Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness it is more than about knowledge, it provides people with more time and options for treatment.
Most people do not know what Pulmonary Fibrosis is, that is why taking the time to bring awareness is so impactful. This September, take the time to learn the symptoms, share information with friends, and loved ones, and support an organization that researches Pulmonary Fibrosis. Awareness may seem like a small act, but for thousands of families dealing with the disease it can make all the difference.
To learn more about Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, click here.
Written by Emily Bannerman
