While there is no cure or way to reverse pulmonary fibrosis, various therapies may help to alleviate your symptoms.^1,2Treatment strategies can include options such as medications to fight inflammation in some specific disease, as well as pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy and lung transplantation.^2,3

The main goal of your treatment will usually be to try to control your symptoms. Your treatment team will be able to work with you to develop a treatment plan that suits your needs.

It is important to remember that treatment decisions for pulmonary fibrosis are personal for each patient. The treatment decision may be affected by factors such as:^2-4

Other conditions you may have
Other medications you may be taking
Treatment side effects
If there is a risk of acute exacerbations (a sudden and rapid worsening of your condition)
Your age and physical condition
Your personal preference for treatment options

It's important that you talk to your treatment team about which therapy options may be right for you.

Lipsi R, Mazzola D, Caminati A, et al. Severe idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A clinical approach. Eur J Intern Med. 2018;50:20–27.
Holtze C, Flaherty K, Kreuter M, et al. Healthcare utilisation and costs in the diagnosis and treatment of progressive-fibrosing interstitial lung diseases. Eur Respir Rev. 2018;27(150):180078.
Raghu G, Collard HR, Egan JJ, et al. An official ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT Clinical Practice Guideline: Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2011;183(6):788–824.
Richeldi L, Varone F, Bergna M, et al. Pharmacological management of progressive-fibrosing interstitial lung diseases: a review of the current evidence. Eur Respir Rev. 2018;27(150):180074.

Also in this section

Oxygen therapy

Oxygen therapy can help you to perform everyday tasks by providing you with extra oxygen

Pulmonary rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an exercise and education program that can help improve quality of life

Lung transplantation

A lung transplant can be an option for the very small number of patients who meet strict criteria

“It is important to stay positive, to find the doctor that you trust in, to have a good support from the family, stay active, have a healthy food intake, and so overall it is important to create a positive atmosphere”