Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month to highlight symptoms and need for research

Health and care organisations are being encouraged to raise awareness of pulmonary fibrosis this September, as Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month highlights the symptoms of the condition and the continuing need for research, earlier diagnosis and better treatment.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious lung condition in which scar tissue develops in the lungs, making it increasingly difficult for them to work effectively. The damage can make breathing harder and reduce the amount of oxygen entering the bloodstream.

Symptoms can include persistent breathlessness, a long-lasting dry cough, tiredness and unexplained weight loss. Some people may also develop clubbing, where the ends of the fingers become wider and rounder.

For health and social care professionals, greater awareness can be particularly important because symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue can sometimes be attributed to ageing, reduced fitness or other existing health conditions.

People living with pulmonary fibrosis may require increasing levels of support as their condition progresses, bringing together teams across primary and secondary healthcare, respiratory services, community nursing, rehabilitation, social care and palliative care.

The condition can have a significant impact on everyday life, with activities that were previously routine becoming increasingly difficult. Supporting people to remain independent while recognising changes in their respiratory health can therefore be an important part of ongoing care.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month also highlights the need for continued research. While treatments can help manage some forms of the disease and slow progression in certain patients, lung scarring cannot currently be reversed, making research into new treatments and improved diagnosis particularly important.

For health and care organisations, September provides an opportunity to increase staff understanding of pulmonary fibrosis, share information about symptoms and recognise the experiences of people living with the condition and those who care for them.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month runs throughout September 2026, with the campaign encouraging greater recognition of the condition while continuing to push for the research and improvements in care needed by patients and their families.

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