There are several things any newly
diagnosed patient with interstitial lung
disease should know.
The first is that there is always hope.
No matter the diagnosis,
there is always hope.
We urge our patients
not to seek information on the internet
because some of it is not trustworthy,
and a lot of it is very confusing.
And I think having a practitioner
to guide patients
through that information
is incredibly helpful.
Next, I want all patients
with interstitial lung disease
to have a caring, empathic
and accessible practitioner,
someone that they can partner with,
somebody who can
educate patients
and follow them carefully over time.
Next, I want patients to know
that there are preventive measures
that should be taken in all patients with
interstitial lung disease. For example,
what are the threats to lung health?
How can we mitigate those threats?
How much oxygen does
a patient need, if they need it at all?
We should
look for conditions
that affect a number of patients
with interstitial lung disease,
including obstructive sleep apnea,
gastroesophageal reflux, aspiration
and pulmonary hypertension.
The fourth and final thing
that I want newly diagnosed patients
to know about are interventions.
This could be in the form of medications
targeting interstitial lung disease.
But equally, if not more important,
is physical activity.
That could come in the form
of a formal pulmonary rehabilitation
program at a medical center,
or through a home rehabilitation program,
or simply a home exercise program.
All patients with interstitial lung
disease should be treated
in programs with experience
caring for these patients,
such as the Center for Interstitial Lung
Disease at National Jewish Health.
