News and Upcoming Events

Would You Like To Become More Involved With ILFA?

Perhaps you could do a once-off fundraising event such as a coffee morning or maybe you would be interested in setting up a local ILFA branch where you live.

You can decide what level of involvement you would like to have. If you are interested in getting more involved ILFA would like to hear from you.

You can contact us via post @ PO Box 10456, Blackrock, County Dublin; via email @ info@ilfa.ie or by calling 086 871 5264

Welcome to the ILFA website

The IRISH LUNG FIBROSIS ASSOCIATION was founded in 2002.

Registered charity number 20053437

Company registration number 367940

The Irish Lung Fibrosis Association was set up in 2002 to support patients and families living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

IPF is a progressive lung condition where fibrosis or scarring causes the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs to thicken and harden. The fibrosis or scarring interfers with the normal transfer of oxygen from the alveoli to the blood stream and results in low oxygen levels in the blood and shortness of breath. The word 'Idiopathic' means 'unknown' - the cause for IPF has not been identified yet.

It is estimated that approximatley 360 patients are diagnosed with IPF in Ireland every year and approximately 800-1000 patients are living with the condition.

News and Events

Please click here to visit our News and Events section which contains all the latest news and stories from ILFA.

Please click here to visit our Facebook page.

The National Patient Charter for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

The National Patient Charter for IPF was launhced on 6th October 2015 as part of IPF World Week

ILFA developed the National Patient Charter to support IPF patients and their families, empower them to look for best treatment and give them a clear expectation of the standard of care they should receive. The charter was developed with the input of IPF patients and carers, health care professionals and professional respiratory organisations. The National Patient Charter for IPF identifies six key areas needed to ensure IPF patients get the best level of care.

Click here to read the full charter

ILFA information resources for newly diagnosed patients

Click on the link above to visit our patient information resource page.

Alternatively click on the titles below to download the leaflets, email info@ilfa.ie or call 086 871 5264 to request a Patient Information Pack with all of our printed materials.

1) What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?

2) The treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

3) Oxygen and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

4) Getting the most out of your hospital appointments: Advice for IPF patients

5) Advice for carers of people with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

6) Weight Management and Nutrition for Pulmonary Fibrosis

7) Get moving with ILFA (leaflet). ILFA 2000 Steps a Day Challenge

8) Click here to read more about The ILFA 2000 Steps a Day walking pack

9) STALL Breathing Technique Card from ILFA

10) ILFA Medical Alert Card

11) ILFA Join us! Get involved!

12) Managing Breathlessness - Advice for Lung Fibrosis Patients

ILFA 2000 Steps a Day Exercise Programme for Lung Fibrosis Patients

ILFA Educational Videos

Irene Byrne, Senior Physiotherapist at the Heart and Lung Transplant Unit at the Mater University Hospital Dublin, discusses exercise, oxygen use and the ILFA 2000 Steps a Day exercise programme.
Please click here to watch the video.

Yvonne Duggan, Senior Dietician at the Heart and Lung Transplant Unit at the Mater Uniersity Hospital Dublin, discusses nutrition and the importance of maintaining a healthy weight for lung fibrosis patients.
Please click here to watch the video.

John Carroll, Lung Fibrosis patient, gives an inspiring account of his successful weight loss and the importance of exercise.
Please click here to watch the video.

Click here to learn more about our 2000 Steps a Day exercise challenge for lung fibrosis patients.

Patient Support Groups

Irish Thoracic Society Guidelines for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Please click here to read The Position Statement from the Irish Thoracic Society on the Treatment of IPF. The treatment guidelines were agreed in November 2012.

Please sign the European IPF Patient Charter!

The European IPF Charter was laucnched in Brussels on 30th September. ILFA along with other IPF patient advocacy groups helped develop the European IPF Charter in support of more standardised care and equal access to diagnosis, treatment and after care options for those with IPF in Europe. The Charter has been endorsed by medical experts who are actively involved in IPF management.

Please click here to read more and sign the charter.

Click here to visit the European IPF Charter facebook page

Aims of the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association

Support, education and research

Patients diagnosed with Lung Fibrosis face many challenges. ILFA supports patients and families by providing information about the condition and the services available to them. ILFA aims to increase public awareness about Lung Fibrosis and to educate healthcare professionals about the condition and the needs of patients. We promote and support research into Lung Fibrosis.

We hope you find our website useful.

If you need further information or if you have any comments regarding our website, we would love to hear from you.

Please click here to contact us.