Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious disease, but research advancements are being made all the time that allow people to live longer and have a better quality of life.
No doctor can predict any one person's lifespan with PF. Survival rates that you see for the disease are based on population averages taken over many years. They cannot predict your individual experience and your prognosis with PF can differ depending on factors such as age, health, lifestyle, and severity of the disease at diagnosis.
Patients with pulmonary fibrosis experience disease progression at different rates. Some patients progress slowly and live with PF for many years, while others decline more quickly.
If you are diagnosed with PF, the best thing you can do is talk with your doctor about how to take care of yourself. Eating right, exercising, and protecting your lungs are important in keeping you as healthy as possible. It is also important to discuss if any medications might be appropriate for treating your pulmonary fibrosis or symptoms.
That being said, it is always a good idea to plan ahead and make arrangements for the future. Consider asking your doctor for a referral to a counselor, therapist or social worker who can help you through this stressful time.
Page last updated: September 26, 2023
