IPF: Action Plan

Sometimes it is hard to know what to do when your symptoms change or worsen. Do you call your doctor? Go to the emergency room? Your health care provider can tell you what you can do when this happens. This is an Action Plan. Knowing when your symptoms are getting worse can help you and your health care provider decide what you should do in your home, at your health care provider’s office or in the emergency room.

A change or increase in the symptoms you usually have may be the only early warning sign. When your symptoms are getting worse, you may notice one or more of the following:

• An increase in shortness of breath or coughing
• A general feeling of ill health
• Feeling of lack of energy or fatigue
• Fever

Symptoms do not go away when they are ignored. Therefore, call your health care provider if you have new or worsening symptoms lasting longer than a day.

Talk with your caregiver and family members about symptoms and your Action Plan.