A recent study published by the European Respiratory Journal based on the Australian Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Registry data looked at the frequency of prolonged anxiety and depression among people living with IPF, and factors contributing to their persistence. The research found a substantial number of participants had symptoms of anxiety and depression. Often the people who had anxiety and depression also had significant breathlessness and cough. The researchers were surprised by the significant proportion of participants who had mood related symptoms at the start, and who also had persistent symptoms 12 months later.<\/p>\n
If you have IPF or are caring for someone with IPF, and are experiencing significant breathlessness and cough, it is important to talk to your health professional, particularly if you are feeling any anxiety or depression. Your health professional will talk to you about treatments available, including medications and psychological or cognitive therapies.<\/p>\n
September marked Global Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month and Lung Foundation Australia raised awareness about (IPF) and the signs, symptoms\u00a0and support for this rare and debilitating disease. These include shortness of breath, a cough that doesn\u2019t go away, feeling tired all the time and clubbing of fingernails and toenails.<\/p>\n