Is pulmonary fibrosis a death sentence?

Pulmonary fibrosis is not synonymous with a death sentence. It is a chronic progressive disease, but with standardized treatment and scientific management, the progression of the disease can be effectively delayed, respiratory function and quality of life improved, allowing patients to maintain a certain lifespan and standard of living. If symptoms such as persistent dry cough or progressive shortness of breath occur, prompt medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis is recommended.

The core issue in pulmonary fibrosis is the fibrotic scarring of lung tissue leading to impaired gas exchange; however, this condition is not beyond intervention. Clinically, antifibrotic medications, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs can help suppress disease progression and alleviate symptoms such as coughing and breathlessness, preventing rapid deterioration.

A patient's prognosis depends closely on the severity of the disease, timing of treatment initiation, and underlying health status. Early detection and timely intervention, combined with consistent treatment and health management, enable most patients to significantly extend their survival and retain basic self-care abilities—far from merely awaiting death.

In daily life, patients should avoid irritants such as dust and smoke, consistently engage in moderate pulmonary rehabilitation exercises like diaphragmatic breathing and walking, maintain regular sleep patterns and balanced nutrition, prevent respiratory infections, stay mentally positive, and strictly adhere to prescribed treatment plans to help control disease progression.