You’ve reached the right place
Our mission is to accelerate the development of new treatments and ultimately a cure for pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Until this goal is achieved, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is committed to advancing improved care of patients with PF and providing unequaled support and education resources for patients, caregivers, family members, and health care providers.
The PFF is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research and advocating for important issues for the PF community. We’re here for you. Keep scrolling or use the navigation at the top of our website to learn more about pulmonary fibrosis and to find resources to support and empower you on this journey.
What are the most common symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis?
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath initially occurs with exercise, but as the disease progresses, patients may become breathless while taking part in everyday activities, such as showering, getting dressed, speaking on the phone, or even eating.
Persistent Cough
Low oxygen levels and other causes can trigger cough in some people. People with pulmonary fibrosis can cough up to 200 times per day.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most burdensome symptoms in interstitial lung disease and can have a major impact on quality of life, social interactions, and work capacity.
What does pulmonary fibrosis mean?
The
word “pulmonary” means lung and the word “fibrosis” means scar tissue—
similar to scars that form on the skin from an old injury or surgery.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a process that causes lung scarring, in which
fibrotic tissue blocks the movement of oxygen from inside the tiny air
sacs in the lungs into the bloodstream.
Pulmonary fibrosis isn’t just one disease. It is a family of more than 200 different lung diseases that all look very much alike. The PF family of lung diseases is part of an even larger group of diseases called interstitial lung diseases (also known as ILD), which includes all of the diseases that have inflammation and/or lung scarring. When the cause of PF is unknown, it’s called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is the most common type of pulmonary fibrosis.
Our Programs
We are proud to offer all of our programs and services free of charge. No memberships required! Keep scrolling to learn about how we can help you.
The PFF Help Center
A diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis can leave some people feeling lost and confused. But we’re here to help. Our staff at the PFF Help Center are available to talk with you via phone or email to help guide you through this journey. We can:
- Help you understand your diagnosis
- Answer any general questions you have
- Help you find a doctor
- Connect you with support groups
- Tell you about research studies or volunteer opportunities
- Provide you with free educational booklets, either as downloadables or mailed to your home
Call our toll free number at 844.TalkPFF or email us at help@pulmonaryfibrosis.org. The call center is open from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Find a doctor
When living with pulmonary fibrosis, it’s important to find a doctor who is an expert in treating the disease. For more than 10 years, the Foundation has been proud to partner with 81 hospitals and clinics nationwide through the PFF Care Center Network program. PFF Care Centers provide patients with trusted, professional PF and ILD care. Use our interactive Google map tool to find a doctor near you!
Join a support group
No one needs to go through this journey alone. A support group is a valuable resource that can improve your emotional well-being and have a positive impact on your health. The PFF can connect you with one of more than 150 support groups nationwide. Groups are offered both in-person and virtually. Further, the PFF hosts three monthly support groups on Zoom that everyone is invited to attend.
Get involved with research
At the PFF, we are dedicated to finding better treatments and a cure for pulmonary fibrosis. Patient participation in research is crucial in aiding researchers to discover new treatments. Our most notable research program is the PFF Community Registry. This program is a series of surveys for all community members affected by PF or interstitial lung disease. Your survey responses will be used for scientific analysis in attempts to better understand how the disease progresses, responds to treatments, and how it affects individuals. Everyone who has been affected by PF is encouraged to enroll.
The PFF also encourages participation in clinical trials. Through the PFF’s Clinical Trial Finder, you can fill out a short questionnaire about your condition to automatically identify trials that are a preliminary match for you. Many studies are actively recruiting volunteers.
Further, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation accepts applications on an annual basis from researchers who are studying pulmonary fibrosis. Upon selection, up to five researchers are awarded the PFF Scholars Grant, a $100,000 award to study the intricacies of the disease.
More resources
Below are just some of the many programs and services we can provide to you. Use the navigation at the top of our website to begin browsing our pages, or visit our educational library.
- If you are newly diagnosed with PF, start here.
- Find information, tips, and advice from caregivers about the role of a caregiver
- Learn about supplemental oxygen
- Participate in pulmonary rehabilitation
- Read about how you can maintain your health
- Watch in-depth webinars
If you have questions or want to learn more about how we can help you, please contact us at 844.TalkPFF or send us an email.
Get involved: Take action against pulmonary fibrosis with us!
Are you ready to join the fight for the more than 250,000 Americans who are living with PF? Become a volunteer!
Start a fundraiser
Whether you want to host a happy hour or make a birthday fundraiser on Facebook, we can help you successfully raise funds for a cure. Learn about our fundraising program, Team PFF.
Join the PFF Walk
There's still time to walk with us in Washington D.C. (October 12), and Dallas (October 19)! Thank you to everyone who has joined us in Pittsburgh, NYC Metro, the Bay
Area, Chicago, and National Walk Day.
Make a donation
Your donation supports research, programming, and services to help people with PF and ILD live longer, healthier lives.
Be part of
something special
Find an event and connect with others in the PF community.
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Nov192024
Greater Hartford PF Support Group Meeting | Hybrid
Join the Greater Hartford Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group for their November meeting on Tuesday, November 19 at 1:00 pm Eastern Time. The meeting will take place both in-person and virtually.
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Nov192024
Young & WILD Support Group Meeting | Virtual
Join us for the virtual Young & WILD support group meeting on Tuesday, November 19 at 5:00 pm Pacific Time / 8:00 pm Eastern Time. Please contact Rebecca Hall at youngwithpf@gmail.com for the virtual link to join the meeting or if you have any additional questions.
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Nov212024
PFF Voices | Virtual
This a virtual support group meeting for patients, caregivers, and loved ones of pulmonary fibrosis patients. Healthcare professionals who work with patients are welcome to join as well.
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The Latest News for the PF Community
Explore press releases and articles of interest to PF patients, caregivers and medical professionals.
Read more news →-
November 13, 2024
PFF Launches Education Program For Newly Diagnosed Patients
Read Full Article PFF Launches Education Program For Newly Diagnosed Patients -
November 06, 2024
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Announces Wayne Pan as Board Chair
Read Full Article Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Announces Wayne Pan as Board Chair -
October 22, 2024
Dr. Amy Hajari Case appointed as Chief Medical Officer
Read Full Article Dr. Amy Hajari Case appointed as Chief Medical Officer