American Lung Association Launches Campaign to Raise Awareness of Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis

CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- On World Interstitial Lung Disease Day, the American Lung Association has launched a national campaign to raise awareness about progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF), a condition that worsens over time in some people living with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The campaign aims to educate individuals with ILD and their caregivers about the early warning signs of PPF, enabling them to seek specialized treatment and care more quickly.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a group of more than 200 conditions that cause inflammation and/or scarring of the lungs. These conditions can result from autoimmune diseases, environmental or occupational exposures, or unknown causes. While ILD can affect anyone, the scarring in the lung tissue can progress, leading to reduced lung function and difficulty breathing.

Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, emphasized the importance of recognizing the early warning signs of PPF.

PPF is characterized by a pattern of worsening symptoms caused by scarring in the lung tissue between the air sacs, or alveoli. Some people with pulmonary fibrosis experience an accelerated decline in lung function, while others experience a more gradual or stable disease state. While a diagnosis of progressive pulmonary fibrosis can be difficult, understanding the condition and working with a specialist on a treatment plan can provide a path forward.

The early warning signs of PPF include worsening shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, and weight loss without trying. These symptoms signal the need for timely intervention with a medical specialist. PPF is diagnosed when at least two of the following three signs of progress are present: worsening symptoms, a decline in how well the lungs work, as determined through lung function tests, and an increase in lung scarring seen on imaging tests such as a high-resolution CT scan.

Treatment for PPF may include medicines that reduce inflammation, suppress the immune system, and/or slow lung scarring. Antifibrotic medicines have also been shown to slow the loss of lung function. Supportive care may include supplemental oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation, or palliative care.

The American Lung Association's campaign aims to close the education gap through new, easy-to-understand resources and expanded outreach. The organization's Lung Health Navigator program provides free, one-on-one education and support for individuals facing lung disease and their loved ones. Each participant will receive the "Learning to Live with PF" workbook, which includes 50 pages of tips to improve communication with healthcare teams, questions to ask healthcare providers, information on medical management and treatment of symptoms, and guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and social support. Services are available in both English and Spanish.

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to improve lung health and prevent lung disease through education, advocacy, and research. Its work is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer, to champion clean air for all, to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families, and to create a tobacco-free future.