Burden of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis on patients' emotional well being and quality of life: a literature review

Purpose of review: To present an overview of the impact of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) on patients' emotional well being and quality of life (QoL).

Recent findings: IPF is an interstitial lung disease which causes irreversible, progressive lung scarring in a pathological pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia. The incidence of IPF is increasing at a global level, subjecting an increasing number of people to its high morbidity and risk of mortality. Diagnosis is based on a multidisciplinary team approach and the exclusion of other interstitial lung diseases. Two novel antifibrotic treatments, pirfenidone and nintedanib, were recently approved by regulatory agencies around the globe, thus providing many IPF patients with treatment options for the first time. Several other drugs have entered the investigational pipeline, including many in early-phase or late-phase clinical trials. Given the incurable and progressive nature of IPF, even with antifibrotic therapy, depression and anxiety are common among patients; these and burdensome symptoms of breathlessness, cough and fatigue are factors that impact patients' emotional well being and QoL. In addition to even more effective drugs, there is a need for psychosocial interventions and mental health support strategies focused on improving patients' QoL so they are better equipped to live with this devastating condition.

Summary: The current article highlights the effects of IPF on patients' emotional well being and QoL and offers suggestions for strategies to help patients with IPF live as well as possible in their daily lives.