When we breathe in, our lungs expand like a balloon. Now imagine trying to blow up a balloon covered in glue – that’s exactly how breathing with Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) feels like.

Breathlessness is sometimes a sign of age or lack of fitness, but could also indicate PF. Pulmonary Fibrosis is a disease where deep tissues in the lungs become scarred, making it hard to breathe. It’s a serious lung condition that affects about 30,000 Canadians, yet many remain undiagnosed.

In many cases, the exact causes of PF are unknown, though long-term environmental exposure, medications or underlying health issues can all be triggers. Classic symptoms include shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, fatigue or unexplained weight loss.

There’s no cure for PF, but early diagnosis and treatment go a long way in managing symptoms.

Recognizing early signs — especially in children and the elderly — is absolutely crucial. When managed well, quality of life improves drastically and disease progression will diminish.

If you or your loved ones aren’t feeling right, talk to your family doctor – your lungs will thank you!

By Diane Alavie, BSc.Phm.