CHICAGO, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — September is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, and the American Lung Association is spotlighting a free program to support people living with the disease, along with their families and caregivers. Pulmonary fibrosis, or PF, is a form of interstitial lung disease that indicates scarring in lung tissue making it increasingly difficult to breathe. While there currently is no cure for PF, treatments are available to help slow progression, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. A key feature of the program is one-on-one support from the Lung Association’s Lung Health Navigators, who are professionally trained in the field of respiratory health.

“Pulmonary fibrosis is a life-altering diagnosis, and managing the disease can be overwhelming. But there are steps you can take to protect your lungs and make living with PF easier. Education and support are key,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “We encourage everyone living with PF to speak with their healthcare provider about their diagnosis. However, we know there may be some questions that are difficult to bring up with a provider. This is where the Lung Health Navigators can help and serve as trusted messengers to provide information about PF self-management. Our Navigators are healthcare professionals who can take the time to answer your questions, offer guidance to better manage living with PF, and support you along your journey.”

There are more than 200 different types of PF. Known causes of PF include inhaling hazardous chemicals, injury from environmental or occupational exposures, complications of certain medications, radiation to the chest and autoimmune conditions. Additionally, genetic factors can play an important role. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common type of PF, has no known cause.

PF is a progressive lung disease, which means it worsens over time. However, not everyone will experience the same rate of progression. It is important to monitor for signs of progression with your healthcare provider. Available treatment options include medications, oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation. In some severe cases, a lung transplant may be needed. Nutrition, exercise and managing stress can help with symptoms.

The “Learning to Live with PF” program, which is supported by the Feldman Family Foundation, offers the following to people living with PF and their families and caregivers at no cost:

• One-on-one support from Lung Association Lung Health Navigators. These lung health experts, who include registered nurses and respiratory therapists, provide personalized support, guidance and resources to help people through every step of their journey with PF, including treatment options, when to seek a second opinion and help with insurance coverage. Lung Health Navigators are available for phone calls, live online chat and video calls. Services are available in English and Spanish.
• A free Learning to Live with Pulmonary Fibrosis workbook to better understand a PF diagnosis. The workbook is available in English and Spanish and mailed free of charge to the participant’s home. This in-depth workbook includes 50 pages of tips to improve communication with your healthcare team; questions to ask a healthcare provider; information on medical management and treatment of symptoms; and guidance on nutrition, physical activity and social support.
• Membership in the Patient and Caregiver Network, a nationwide patient-centric community that connects people living with lung diseases like PF with critical support, education and access to emerging research like clinical trials.

“Our partnership with the American Lung Association has given us the important opportunity to fulfill our mission in helping those impacted by pulmonary fibrosis,” said Mitch Feldman, President of the Feldman Family Foundation. “The Learning to Live with Pulmonary Fibrosis workbook provides extremely vital and useful information along with great comfort to families, and we encourage others to enroll in the program.”

Anyone living with PF or caring for a loved one with the disease is encouraged to enroll in this free program by visiting Lung.org/navigator or calling 866-252-2959. For more information about pulmonary fibrosis, visit Lung.org/pf. 

About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association 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. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events or donate today at Lung.org/donate. 

About the Feldman Family Foundation
The Feldman Family Foundation supports patients, families, and caregivers impacted by pulmonary fibrosis. We raise awareness and fund programs with partners that create a powerful difference for those living with and learning about the disease. Learn more at FeldmanFamilyFoundation.org

CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association
P: 312-940-7001 M: 720-438-8289E: Jill.Dale@Lung.org

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SOURCE American Lung Association