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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffLiving with a chronic lung disease is emotionally and physically challenging. Your daily routines and activities may need to be adjusted, sometimes radically, as breathing problems worsen or health care needs take priority in your life. Feelings of fear, anger and sadness are normal as you grieve for the loss of your old life and worry about what's next for you and your family.
These suggestions may help you cope with interstitial lung disease:
- Share your feelings with your loved ones and your doctor. Talking openly may help you and your loved ones cope with the emotional challenges of your disease. In addition, clear communication will help you and your family plan effectively for your needs if your disease progresses.
- Consider joining a support group. In a support group, you'll be with people who are facing challenges similar to yours. Group members may share coping strategies, exchange information about new treatment, or simply listen as you express your feelings. If a group isn't for you, you may wish to talk with a mental health provider or clergy member.
Ask your doctor about self-help groups or therapists in your community. Your local health department, public library, telephone book and the Internet also may be good sources for finding a support group in your area.
- King TE, et al. Approach to diagnosis and management of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. In: Mason RJ, et al. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: W.B. Saunders; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/138709448-3/0/1288/473.html?tocnode=51472932&fromURL=473.html#4-u1.0-B0-7216-0327-0..50056-2_2996. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Raghu G. Interstitial lung disease. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/138709448-4/843693028/1492/374.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50097-5--cesec72_3869. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- King TE. Approach to the adult with interstitial lung disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Interstitial lung diseases. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec05/ch055/ch055a.html. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Aggarwal N, et al. Interstitial lung disease. In: Nilsson K, et al. The Osler Medical Handbook. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/142440259-3/850406526/1387/103.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-03748-8..50092-0_1514. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Possible side effects of radiation therapy. American Cancer Society. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- King TE. Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Rosenow EC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 31, 2009.
