You were in the hospital to treat your breathing problems that are caused by interstitial lung disease. This disease scars your lungs, which makes it hard for your body to get enough oxygen.
You received oxygen treatment, and you may need to keep using oxygen when you go home. Your doctor may have given you a new medicine to treat your lungs.
See also:
Try walking to build up strength:
Ride a stationary bike. Ask your doctor or therapist how long and how hard to ride.
Make yourself stronger even when you are sitting:
Eat smaller meals more often. It might be easier to breathe when your stomach isn't full. Try to eat 6 small meals a day. Do not drink a lot of liquid before eating, or with your meals.
Ask your doctor what foods to eat to get more energy. See also: Eating extra calories when you are sick - adults
If you smoke, STOP. Stay away from smokers when you are out, and do not allow smoking in your home. Stay away from strong odors and fumes. Do breathing exercises.
See also: Pursed lip breathing
Take all the medicines that your doctor prescribed for you.
Talk to your doctor if you feel depressed or anxious.
Get a flu shot every year. Ask your doctor if you should get a pneumonia vaccine.
Wash your hands often, and always after you go to the bathroom and when you are around people who are sick.
Stay away from crowds. Ask a visitor with a cold to wear a mask.
Place items you use a lot in spots where you do not have to reach or bend over to get them. Use a cart with wheels to move things around the house and kitchen. Use an electric can opener, dishwasher, and other things that will make your chores easier to do. Use cooking tools (knives, peelers, and pans) that are not heavy.
Tips to save energy:
Never change how much oxygen is flowing without asking your doctor. See also: Oxygen in the home
Always have a back-up supply of oxygen in the home or with you when you go out. Keep the phone number of your oxygen supplier with you at all times. Learn how to use oxygen safely at home.
See also: Oxygen safety
Your hospital doctor or nurse may ask you to make a follow-up visit with:
Call your doctor if your breathing is:
Also call your doctor if:
Noth I, Martinez FJ. Recent advances in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Chest. 2007; 132(2).
Raghu G. Interstitial Lung Pulmonary Disease. In: Goldman L, Auseillo D. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 92.
Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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