Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious disease, but research advancements are being made all the time that allow people to live longer and have a better quality of life.
No healthcare provider can predict any one person's lifespan with PF. Survival rates that you see for the disease are based on population averages taken over many years. They cannot predict your individual experience and your prognosis with PF will differ depending on factors such as age, health, lifestyle, type of PF and severity of the disease at diagnosis.
Patients with pulmonary fibrosis experience disease progression at different rates. Some progress slowly and live with PF for many years, while others decline more quickly. Patients living with IPF tend to have increased progression and worse outcomes than patients diagnosed with other types of PF.
If you are diagnosed with PF, talk with your healthcare provider about how to take care of yourself. Eating right, exercising and protecting your lungs are important in keeping you as healthy as possible. Supplemental oxygen therapy may assist with staying active and pulmonary rehab can help you build endurance.
It is also important to discuss if any medications might be appropriate for treating your pulmonary fibrosis or symptoms. Inquire about clinical trials, as they may give you access to new treatments being studied.
It is always a good idea to plan and make arrangements for the future. End of life planning can be a challenging conversation but also helps take the burden off of you and your loved ones as your condition progresses. Consider asking for a referral to a counselor, therapist or social worker who can help you through this stressful time.
Page last updated: August 21, 2025
