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Planning for the Future

Sometimes it is hard to know what to do when you receive your diagnosis or when symptoms change or worsen. Your healthcare team can help you plan for this if this happens. Knowing when your symptoms are getting worse can help you and your healthcare team decide what you should do in your home, at your healthcare provider’s office, or in the emergency room.

Whether you have just been diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (ILD) or have been living with it for a longer period, it is important that you have a clear plan in place for the future of your care and overall well-being.

Below are few things to consider having in place.

Checklist for Future-Proofing Your ILD Care Plan

Get support from the healthcare team at a specialist center

  • It is vital that you seek access to specialist clinical support early on. They can help support you throughout your journey. Speak to your healthcare team to find out if there is a specialist center near your area.

Have an Assessment for Pulmonary Rehabilitation

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation may help people feel less breathless. It can also support people with various types of counseling, help them feel more independent, and improve their ability to exercise.

Seek Access to Oxygen Therapy

  • For those it is recommended for, oxygen therapy may help people breathe easier and feel they are able to live a more active life.
  • Oxygen therapy may help people complete a course of pulmonary rehabilitation.
  • Oxygen therapy may help with breathlessness and fatigue.
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Quick Tip

Talking about and making preparations for all of these things can sometimes be stressful and tiring. Don’t feel that you have to do it all at once. Care planning is an ongoing activity that sometimes takes time.

To ensure that your future care is consistent, those caring for you and members of your healthcare team need to communicate effectively to improve the long-term coordination of care.

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You’re not alone in this—
we’re just a phone call away.

Life with ILD can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Call Lungs&You® to speak with a dedicated nurse who can help you get the information you need to help take an active role in your health.*

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1-844-473-2638

Monday - Friday, 9 am - 6 pm ET

*Lungs&You® does not provide medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific questions about your health.