FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         CONTACT: Dorothy Coyle, 773-332-6201

PULMONARY FIBROSIS FOUNDATION LAUNCHES
OXYGEN INFORMATION LINE

CHICAGO, June 27, 2018 – For more than one million people living with serious lung conditions, such as pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a prescription for supplemental oxygen therapy can seem overwhelming. Questions like which oxygen delivery system to use, how to manage various flow settings, or how to ensure safety sometimes cause confusion and stress with the oxygen process. 

According to the first large survey of oxygen users, more than half of patients using supplemental oxygen experienced problems with their equipment. In the study, published in the October 2017 issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society, oxygen users cited frequent and varied problems, particularly a lack of access to effective instruction and adequate portable systems. 

To help those struggling with supplemental oxygen issues, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) has launched the Oxygen Information Line, 844-825-5733. This phone line will provide information and resources to individuals who are using supplemental oxygen and to their caregivers. The Oxygen Information Line is available 9 am. to 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday. 

 “Oxygen can provide a lifeline for people living with pulmonary fibrosis,” said William T. Schmidt, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. “Our new Oxygen Information Line will be staffed by trained representatives who will answer questions and make sure people understand how to access oxygen, how to use it safely, and what to do if they have a problem.” 

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation provides a downloadable Quick Start Guide for Supplemental Oxygen and a Traveling with Supplemental Oxygen Guide. Print versions of the guides are available in Spanish, Chinese and Russian. In addition, a new video on how to use supplemental oxygen is available on the PFF’s YouTube Channel.

 “Oxygen can help people maintain an active lifestyle while reducing breathlessness and stress on other organs,” said David Lederer, MD, PFF Senior Medical Advisor for Education and Awareness. “Before entering into a contract with an oxygen company, patients should check with their healthcare provider to make sure the equipment offered by the supplier is right for them.”

Pulmonary fibrosis is a group of lung diseases that cause scarring in the lungs, which limits the oxygen intake necessary for the brain, heart, and other organs to function. PF affects 200,000 Americans and results in more than 40,000 deaths annually. Fifty thousand new cases are diagnosed each year. There is no known cure.

About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) mobilizes people and resources to provide access to high quality care and leads research for a cure so people with pulmonary fibrosis will live longer, healthier lives. The PFF collaborates with physicians, organizations, patients, and caregivers worldwide. The PFF has a three-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Better Business Bureau accredited charity.  For more information, visit pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733) or 312.587.9272 from outside the U.S.