Public urged to ‘know the signs of Lung Fibrosis’ 

Nationwide awareness drive on Lung Fibrosis for September

Members of the public have been urged to ‘know the signs of Lung Fibrosis’, a life-limiting condition that affects thousands of people across Ireland.

The key signs of Lung Fibrosis are breathlessness, dry cough and fatigue. It’s a very serious and progressive condition affecting 5,000 people.

The Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA) is running a public awareness campaign on the condition for September – as up to 1,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and this is increasing. However, early diagnosis can make a difference.

ILFA CEO Maureen O’Donnell said: “During Lung Fibrosis Awareness Month ILFA urges the public, healthcare providers, and policymakers to work together to raise awareness, improve early diagnosis and improve disease management.

“The campaign slogan is ‘Every Breath Matters, Know the Signs’. By communicating the need to know the symptoms of the disease and seek medical advice early, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those living with Lung Fibrosis.”

Also known as Pulmonary Fibrosis the condition causes scarring of the lungs, making it progressively harder to breathe. Because symptoms can be subtle and mistaken for other conditions, diagnosis is often delayed.

Lung Fibrosis patient Charlie Campbell who has been living with the condition since he was diagnosed in 2023 described his experience.

“A dry cough began in Jan 2022 and by April 2022 the cough was incessant. After several months of cough and breathlessness just performing daily duties I sought medical attention, but a diagnosis wasn’t made until over a year later.”

The condition typically affects people over the age of 50, with the average patient being in their late 60s or early 70s at diagnosis. Men are more likely to be affected than women. While the exact cause is often unknown, risk factors include smoking, some occupational exposures and family history.

The Human Impact

Maureen O’Donnell continued: “Too often, people ignore the symptoms, putting them down to ageing or a lack of fitness. We want everyone to know the symptoms of the disease because with its severity, every minute counts.  I hope our ‘Every Breath Matters, Know the Signs’ campaign reaches as many people as possible. More importantly, I hope there are people who get the medical care and support they need because of it.

“For patients and their families, Lung Fibrosis brings huge challenges. Breathlessness can make everyday tasks like showering, shopping, or talking on the phone exhausting. The condition can lead to social isolation, loss of independence, and significant emotional strain for both patients and caregivers.”

Patient Ann Markey said: “Living with Lung Fibrosis means planning your life around your lungs. Things most people take for granted, like walking to the shops, planning days or nights out, keeping well and free from infection, become difficult.”

Maureen O’Donnell concluded: “Getting diagnosed is the first step. Then patients should be referred to one of Ireland’s eight specialist centres for treatment options. Patient organisations like ILFA, and family members are also vital in helping people to manage their condition. ILFA provides information, advocacy, research and a supportive community to patients and caregivers navigating this journey.”

The key symptoms of Lung Fibrosis include:

• Breathlessness, particularly when walking or climbing stairs

• A dry, unproductive cough that does not go away

• Fatigue and reduced ability to exercise
• ‘Clubbing’ or widening of the fingertips in some cases