Information for the public

Your regular hospital appointments

Your regular hospital appointments

How often you need to have follow‑up appointments will depend on your disease. If your disease is progressing quickly or your symptoms are rapidly getting worse you may be seen at least every 3 months. If your disease is progressing more slowly you may be seen at least every 6 months. If your disease is stable you should be seen every 6 months. If your illness remains stable after a year, you will then be invited back for yearly appointments.

Your follow-up appointments should include:

  • having tests to see how well your lungs are working

  • being assessed for oxygen therapy

  • seeing if you need pulmonary rehabilitation

  • advice on stopping smoking, if you need it

  • identifying occasions when your idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis got worse and when you needed treatment for it in hospital

  • checking if you would like to be assessed for lung transplantation if it is suitable for you (see lung transplantation)

  • asking about whether you need any extra support

  • assessing you for related illnesses (which may include anxiety, depression, diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, indigestion, lung cancer and widening of the airways)

  • discussing referral to palliative care services if you have worsening idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Questions you might like to ask

  • How often will I need to come back for appointments?

  • Who should I contact if my condition worsens?

  • What services are offered by the palliative care team?

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