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Comorbidities, or co-existing conditions
You may have other ongoing health conditions. These can be managed alongside your pulmonary fibrosis
Many people with pulmonary fibrosis also have other health conditions which are often called co-existing conditions. Pulmonary fibrosis may or may not influence these but managing them is just as important as managing pulmonary fibrosis itself.
To manage co-existing conditions people receive medications and care in addition to their treatment for pulmonary fibrosis. Some common co-existing conditions people with pulmonary fibrosis may have include:1-3
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A lung disease that limits the flow of air into and out of the lungs. This makes it harder to breathe
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A stomach condition that causes stomach acid moving up into the food pipe (oesophagus), leading to heartburn
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Obstructive sleep apnea: A condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep
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Pulmonary hypertension: High blood pressure in the blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs
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Heart conditions such as coronary heart disease, where there is a build-up of plaque in the blood vessels in the heart
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Other conditions: Diabetes, underactive thyroid and hiatal hernia
It is important to remember that every person with pulmonary fibrosis is different and may experience different co-existing conditions. Always be aware of any changes in your condition or symptoms and discuss them with your treatment team. They will be able to guide you on your condition and treatments.
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If you are worried about other conditions which are affecting your wellbeing, speak to your treatment team. They will be able to develop treatment plans that take into account all of your co-existing conditions and overall health
Developing a treatment plan
Your treatment team will develop a treatment plan for all co-existing conditions you may have alongside your pulmonary fibrosis treatment.
Some medications can interact with each other. If you take multiple medications, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if any of your medications need to be modified. Also important is to discuss any other conditions or symptoms you have in addition to pulmonary fibrosis with your treatment team. They will be able to discuss options with you and develop the most appropriate treatment plan.
Taking care of yourself
Key takeaways
People with pulmonary fibrosis often have other co-existing conditions, which can include mental health conditions
Your co-existing conditions should also be discussed with your treatment team as well as symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis
Most co-existing conditions can be managed as part of your treatment plan
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Raghu G, Amatto VC, Behr J, Stowasser S. Comorbidities in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients: a systematic literature review. Eur Respir J. 2015;46(4):1113–1130.
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Oldham JM, Collard HR. Comorbid Conditions in idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Recognition and Management. Front Med (Lausanne). 2017;4:123.
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Margaritopoulos G, Antoniou K, Wells A. Comorbidities in interstitial lung diseases. Eur Respir Rev. 2017;26(143):160027.
Also in this section
Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis
“I think many of the things one does to stay healthy with (lung diseases) are the same things that one does to stay healthy in general”
