Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month

Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month is dedicated to a disease that anyone can face, but not everyone realizes they have. Unfortunately, pulmonary fibrosis is a condition that is largely unknown to the general public because it is rarely discussed.

History

The name “pulmonary fibrosis” literally means “scarring of the lungs,” which vividly describes the pathological processes occurring in the body. As the lungs scar, patients experience difficulty breathing. The term “fibrosis” refers to the formation of connective tissue, which thickens the lung walls and impedes oxygen transport. Consequently, patients with pulmonary fibrosis often feel short of breath and fear suffocation. The exact causes of the disease are not fully understood, but they likely include other lung diseases and autoimmune disorders.

Interesting Facts

• Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease that inevitably becomes chronic. The pathological process causes scarring or inflammation of the lung tissue, which gradually slows the transport of oxygen to other organs.
• The main symptoms are shortness of breath, dry cough, and chronic fatigue.
• According to statistics cited by the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, the disease has been diagnosed in one in two hundred Americans over the age of 65. Currently, about 200,000 people live with this disease, about 50,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, and 40,000 patients die each year.
• About 86% of Americans are unaware of the signs and treatments for pulmonary fibrosis.
• The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation invites everyone who needs help to visit their official pages on social networks. Useful information can also be found using the hashtags #PFMonth and #BlueUp4PF.

How to Observe Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month

Learn about how the disease impacts patients’ quality of life, how to identify the disease by its symptoms, and what treatments are available. People with pulmonary fibrosis face challenges every day, so it’s important for family and friends to understand how to support their struggle. Engage in fundraising and educational efforts—this will help millions of patients and support scientists in researching effective treatments.

When is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month in 2024?

Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month is observed on September 1 each year.

Observations