Information for Patients
If you have been diagnosed with IPF, there are a number of things you can do to take part in your own treatment and help yourself stay healthy. Caregivers may also be interested in the following information to assist in helping a family member diagnosed with IPF.
- Take all prescribed medications as instructed by your doctor.
- If you smoke, it is very important that you stop as soon as possible. Ask your doctor or nurse about smoking cessation programs and products that can help.
- Eat a well-balanced diet. This helps support your body and keeps up your strength. Discuss any special nutritional concerns with your doctor or nurse.
- Consider eating smaller, more frequent meals during the course of your day. Many patients find it easier to breathe when their stomach isn't completely full.
- Try some moderate exercise, such as walking or riding a stationary bicycle. If you're already exercising, keep up your regular workout. This helps you maintain strength and lung function. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program. Those who need to can generally use oxygen during this kind of activity.
- Consider enrolling in a pulmonary rehabilitation program to help increase your strength, learn breathing techniques, and expand your social support network. Ask your doctor or nurse for more details.
- Your doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen, which helps supply your body with the oxygen it needs but your lungs can no longer deliver. Some patients fear that they will become addicted to oxygen, but this is not true. Supplemental oxygen can help you feel less breathless and more energetic.
- Join a support group in your community—or start one of your own. It's a great way to get the emotional support you need.
- Call your doctor or nurse with any questions about your condition or its treatment. If you notice anything unusual about how you are feeling or how your medicines are working, call your doctor right away.
Information for Caregivers
You and your loved one may be coping with a great deal of stress and anxiety as a result of your current situation. If you ignore these feelings, they can have a negative impact on your health and well-being. To help reduce the stress in your life, try to get regular exercise and learn some relaxation techniques. You may also want to join a support group or to see a counselor to help you cope with your feelings. It is important for both of you to ask for and get the help that you need. You may also want to review the patient information above, because you may be assisting your loved one with some of these recommendations and lifestyle changes.Also, check out our Resources section for helpful Web sites.
"To Be A Caregiver" by Mary Cody, Courtesy of the ALA of Minnesota"
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