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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is also called IPF. It is a disease of the lungs. A buildup of scar tissue causes the lining of the lungs to thicken. Then, oxygen cannot easily get to the blood. This makes it hard for you to breathe. The exact cause of IPF is not known, but you may be more at risk if you smoke of have breathed in toxins or dust for long periods of time. Some people have a history of IPF in their family. You may be short of breath, have a dry cough, feel tired more often, and have a loss of appetite. At times, you may have chest pain. ‚  
There is no cure for IPF. The disease may worsen quickly or slowly over time. Doctors work to treat the signs and slow disease progression. This may include using oxygen, rehab, and drugs. If a lung is badly damaged, your doctor may suggest a lung transplant. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Have a regular sleep pattern where you get 8 hours of sleep each night.
  • Learn how to relax. Try talking with trusted friends or family. Guided imagery, yoga, tai chi, or deep breathing may help.
  • If you are a smoker, stop smoking. Stay away from others who smoke. Talk with your doctor if you need help stopping.
  • Use oxygen at home as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if your nose gets red or sore. Never smoke or let anyone smoke in the same room while our oxygen is on. This can cause fire.
  • Do breathing exercises at home to help you breathe more easily. Breathe in so that your whole chest rises, then breathe out with puckered lips. This helps make more room so your lungs can take in more air.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • You will need to be watched carefully. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • Your doctor may send you to rehab. You will learn ways to help you breathe easier.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Reduce swelling
  • Fight an infection
  • Help with breathing
  • Treat acid reflux

Will physical activity be limited?


Stay active. This will help to keep your muscles strong. You will be less tired when doing daily activities. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Heart failure
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Lung problems like infection, blood clots, or cancer
  • Low mood

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
  • Chest pain or fast heartbeat
  • Coughing up blood
  • Using more oxygen than your used to
  • Harder time breathing or feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Feeling very tired or weak
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet

Helpful tips


  • Join a support group. People who are going through the same condition may help you cope with your illness.
  • Talk with your doctor about getting a flu and pneumonia shot. These illnesses can cause more stress on your lungs.

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what may help ease my breathing.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have chest pain, trouble breathing, or I cough up blood.

Where can I learn more?


Canadian Lung Association ‚  
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/a-z/pfibrosis-fibrosep/index_e.php ‚  
Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis ‚  
http://www.coalitionforpf.org/facts-about-idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis/ ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pulmonary-fibrosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚  
Pulmonary Fibrosis Association ‚  
http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org ‚  
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation ‚  
http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/aboutpf ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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