Monitoring symptoms
Changes in your symptoms can indicate to your treatment team if your disease is worsening
Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis can progress over time. Your doctor, supported by a wider team of experienced specialists, will use a combination of different tests you’ll be familiar with from diagnosis to track your condition.
Talk to your treatment team about your symptoms and tell them of any changes you notice. Remember that they can best advise you and help you manage some of these through lifestyle changes and different treatments.
Tracking your symptoms
You might find it helpful to keep a diary of your symptoms and how you feel over time. Remember to make a note of any questions or concerns you have. Sharing these with your doctor will help you discuss your symptoms and get the most out of your appointment.
Watch for any worsening of pulmonary fibrosis symptoms. These can include:1,2
-
Shortness of breath, especially with mild physical activity
-
A cough that doesn’t get better
-
Tiredness and generally feeling unwell
-
Gradual, unintended weight loss
-
Rapid, shallow breathing
Remember to bring your tracker with you to your next appointment
Symptom monitoring is a powerful tool helping you have informed discussions with your doctor and treatment team
Meltzer EB, Noble PW. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2008; 3:8.
British Lung Foundation. Symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis. Available at: https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/pulmonary-fibrosis/symptoms/. [Accessed March 2022].
Also in this section
Questions to ask your doctor
Making the most of your appointment
“Join a support group, if somebody puts out a hand for help, somebody will always hold it”