For World Interstitial Lung Disease Day, Learn How to Recognize Early Warning Signs of Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis

CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of World Interstitial Lung Disease Day, the American Lung Association is launching a national campaign to raise awareness of progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF), which occurs when lung scarring worsens over time in some people living with an interstitial lung disease (ILD). The campaign provides education, one-on-one support and resources to help individuals living with ILD and their caregivers recognize the early warning signs of PPF so they can more quickly access specialized treatment and care.

"ILD refers to a large group of more than 200 conditions that cause inflammation and/or scarring of the lungs," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "These conditions can have many different causes, including autoimmune diseases, environmental or occupational exposures, or unknown origins, but they share the possibility that scarring may progress over time. When scar tissue increases, breathing becomes more difficult and symptoms can worsen. Speak to your healthcare provider about any changes in your health."

PPF is not a disease, but rather a pattern of worsening symptoms caused by scarring in the lung tissue between the air sacs, or alveoli, resulting in reduced lung function and difficulty breathing. Some people living with pulmonary fibrosis experience an accelerated decline in lung function while others experience a more gradual or even stable disease state. While a diagnosis of progressive pulmonary fibrosis is difficult, understanding what is happening and working with a specialist on a treatment plan provides a path forward.

Early warning signs of PPF include worsening shortness of breath, unusual fatigue and weight loss without trying. These symptoms signal the need for timely intervention with a medical specialist. PPF is diagnosed when at least two of the following three signs of progress are present: worsening symptoms; a decline in how well the lungs work, as determined through lung function tests; and an increase in lung scarring seen on imaging tests such as a high-resolution CT scan.

Depending on the type of ILD, treatment may include medicines that reduce inflammation, suppress the immune system, and/or slow lung scarring. Antifibrotic medicines have also been shown to slow the loss of lung function. Supportive care may include supplemental oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation or palliative care.

"What patients need," says George Savich, who is living with pulmonary fibrosis, "is reliable information about treatment options, how to manage their disease and where to find support."

The Lung Association's campaign aims to close the education gap through new, easy-to-understand resources, and with expanded outreach and free access to the Lung Association's Lung Health Navigator program. Lung Health Navigators are professionally trained in respiratory health, including registered nurses and respiratory therapists, and provide free, one-on-one education and support for individuals facing lung disease and their loved ones. Each participating patient or caregiver will receive the "Learning to Live with PF" workbook, mailed to their home. This in-depth workbook includes 50 pages of tips to improve communication with your healthcare team; questions to ask a healthcare provider; information on medical management and treatment of symptoms; and guidance on nutrition, physical activity and social support. Services are available in English and Spanish.

Support for the campaign was provided by Boehringer Ingelheim.

For more information about progressive pulmonary fibrosis, visit Lung.org/ppf.

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events or donate today at Lung.org/donate.

CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association

P: 312-940-7001 M: 720-438-8289 E: Jill.Dale@Lung.org

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SOURCE American Lung Association