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Pulmonary fibrosis life expectancy

Your life expectancy with pulmonary fibrosis can be difficult to predict as it depends on several factors. Reading about life expectancy can be difficult. You might want to read this information with someone you trust and who can support you. The APF support line is also here for you.

‍What is your life expectancy with pulmonary fibrosis?

Progressive pulmonary fibrosis is a terminal disease (sometimes also called ‘life-limiting’). This means there is currently no cure. Many people who are diagnosed with the disease will eventually die from it.

Many factors affect how long a person may live with pulmonary fibrosis, including:

age
the severity of lung scarring
how quickly your pulmonary
fibrosis gets worse (if your disease is progressive)
your other health conditions
if you get infections
your lifestyle (e.g. if you smoke).

It’s important to note that life expectancy research needs updating. It may no longer be accurate.

Previous research looked at the average life expectancy of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Life expectancy was suggested to be 3-5 years from diagnosis.

However, researchers found this number before antifibrotic medications were widely used. At this time, diagnosis also took longer and less was known about the disease.

There is also little information on the life expectancy of people with other types of pulmonary fibrosis. However, our current understanding is that people with progressive pulmonary fibrosis may follow a similar disease trajectory as those with IPF.

There have been improvements in pulmonary fibrosis treatment and care. However, it’s important to acknowledge there is still work to do. This will ensure timely access to care and better treatments. Researchers are working to understand why pulmonary fibrosis happens and to find more effective treatments.

It's understandable to have questions or or concerns about your life expectancy.

Your medical team are there to support you and answer questions about your personal situation. They can also help you manage your symptoms and live a healthy lifestyle. This can improve your health and chances of living well with pulmonary fibrosis.

Looking after yourself

The better your general health, the better your chances of living well with pulmonary fibrosis. Find out more about how you can live well with pulmonary fibrosis:

Information resources

Talking PF Webinars

Read more about treatments for pulmonary fibrosis, including antifibrotic medication and symptom management.

Pulmonary fibrosis conditions

Find out more about the progression of different pulmonary fibrosis conditions:

Asbestosis

COVID-19 related pulmonary fibrosis

Drug-induced pulmonary fibrosis

‍Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Idiopathic NSIP

‍Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

‍Rheumatoid arthritis-ILD

Systemic sclerosis

Sarcoidosis‍

Get support

Join a support group in your area

There are over 100 support groups across the UK
offering emotional support, helpful information, practical guidance and signposting for anyone affected by pulmonary fibrosis. Find a support group near you.

Call our Support Line

Our Support Line is available Monday to Friday,
9am to 5pm on 01223 785 725. Alternatively, you can email
supportline@actionpf.org.

Join our webinars on living well with pulmonary fibrosis

Our Talking PF webinars include in depth talks, patient stories and insight from healthcare professionals and include topics such as managing fatigue and emotional wellbeing.

Read our information looking after your emotional wellbeing.

We have information about coming to terms with your diagnosis, mental health, and managing anxiety and worry.

Our website and resources provide general information only. We cannot provide medical advice, treatment or prescriptions, nor can we assess/decide what services or clinicians you should be referred to. Support with these matters will need to be provided by your existing healthcare professional teams.

APF is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage suffered by users resulting from the information published on our website or in our resources.

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