Living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions Living with chronic lung disease changes a person's life and requires adjusting to a new way of being in the world. You may have been physically active your entire life, and now that you have Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), you may find that you can't do things you once enjoyed. You may feel slowed down and less spontaneous. You may feel self-conscious about not being able to keep up, being on oxygen or having a chronic cough. You may be reluctant to go out in public. These are common emotions for people with IPF. It is normal to feel angry, afraid, sad, depressed, guilty, stressed and frustrated with all of the changes. You will be better off if you allow yourself to feel all of these things, even when it is uncomfortable. Using the support of others will help you feel stronger and less alone in dealing with the challenges of IPF. Adjusting to an illness is a process and will not happen overnight. Be patient with yourself. Learn more about your disease and how to make lifestyle adjustments that can help maintain your quality of life. Featured Stories Proper Hydration On The Go with Oxygen Ordering Oxygen The Four Stages of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Stage 1: Recently diagnosed Stage 2: Needing oxygen with activity, but not at rest Stage 3: Needing oxygen 24 hours a day, with activity, at rest and during sleep Stage 4: Advanced oxygen needs (needing high-flow oxygen or when a lightweight, portable delivery system is unable to meet a patient’s needs). Interstitial Lung Disease Center The National Jewish Health Interstitial Lung Disease Center for Patient Care, Education, Discovery and Innovation is one of the largest interstitial lung disease (ILD) centers in the country. We evaluate and treat thousands of patients each year. Our team of lung specialists partner with patients and their caregivers to develop customized, comprehensive care plans based on the latest research and treatment options. Our goal is to help our patients live full and active lives. Learn more about Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis View all Specialties & Conditions More Living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Tips Tips to Quit Smoking Proper Hydration Proper Hydration On The Go with Oxygen Intimacy Ordering Oxygen Healthy Recipes Living with Chronic Lung Disease Depression Common Feelings Anxiety Reflux and Lung Disease Breathing Exercises & Techniques What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)? Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Management Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Testing The Symptoms of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) The Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Program at National Jewish Health Traveling with Oxygen Living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Understanding Oxygen Systems Medicine Safety Managing Your Medication Supply On The Go with Oxygen Stress & Relaxation Quitting Tobacco Preparing to Quit Advance Directive: Tools for Communicating Your Health Care Wishes Sleep Emotional Management 10 Benefits of Staying Hydrated Tips to Improve Health by Increasing Happiness Busting Myths about Oxygen Therapy Palliative Care Advance Directive IPF: Lifestyle Management Lung Transplantation: Is It Right for You? IPF: Medications Avoiding Infections IPF: Action Plan IPF: Stages How Palliative Care Services Can Help Individuals with Chronic Conditions You may also be interested in... Living with Chronic Disease Smoking & Tobacco Use Exercise & Weight Healthy Eating Intimacy & the Person with Lung Disease Class Joe Walsh Memorial Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group Managing Your Energy Everyday Class Managing Your Lung Disease Class Nutrition & the Person With Lung Disease Class On the Go With Oxygen Class Stress Management & Relaxation Class Understanding Your Lung Disease & Testing Class