New survey gives voice to people living with a rare and devastating lung disease: “When I think of IPF I think of breathlessness”

Ingelheim, Germany, 29 February 2016 – An international survey of over 500 people living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in more than 20 countries worldwide reveals the real-life emotions faced by those with the devastating disease.¹ IPF affects approximately 3 million people worldwide^,2,3 yet the reality of the condition remains little understood. The results are launched on Rare Disease Day 2016 to coincide with this year’s theme ‘Patient Voice’, recognising the crucial role that patients play in voicing their needs. 

Diagnosing IPF can be difficult, and around half of patients are initially misdiagnosed.⁴ The average time from first symptoms to diagnosis of IPF is between one and two years,^4,5 and patients are then faced with the reality that they have an incurable disease. The emotional turmoil people with IPF experience is clearly reflected in the answers; many respondents said they felt ‘worried’ (49%), ‘afraid’ (45%), and ‘confused’ (34%) when they finally received a diagnosis.¹

When asked ‘what do you think of when you think of IPF?’, the thought most frequently expressed by respondents was breathlessness (33%),¹ one of the most common symptoms of IPF.⁶  As the condition causes the lung tissue to become thickened, stiff and scarred over time,⁷ the reality is that shortness of breath makes it difficult for people affected by IPF to carry out everyday tasks such as showering or getting dressed.⁶ 

The research reveals that the progressive and unpredictable nature of this fatal lung disease places an emotional burden on those affected by the condition; almost a quarter (23%) of respondents stated that they feared not being able to do the things they used to do before having IPF and one in three people said they felt “frustrated” by the condition (29%).¹ The emotions felt by people affected by IPF vary following diagnosis and after receiving medical care; 31% of respondents felt that emotions become more positive and the outlook brighter at that time whilst 28% felt that emotions become more negative and the outlook less bright.¹

Dr Toby Maher, Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, United Kingdom commented: “This thought-provoking research echoes what my patients talk to me about when we discuss life with IPF. Thankfully our understanding of the treatment of IPF has moved forward a lot in the last few years. As physicians we can help address the negative emotions many patients experience at diagnosis and improve how they see their future with the disease so they feel positive about starting effective treatment.”

Early and accurate diagnosis of IPF is important, as this enables the early initiation of pharmacological treatment and other disease management options.⁸

Patient advocacy groups also play an extremely important role in making it easier to live with the condition; 42% of respondents said that patient groups made them feel less isolated and provide access to important information.¹

Robert Davidson, President, Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (CPFF) said: “Living with IPF can be frightening and too few people appreciate just how isolating living with a rare disease like IPF can be. This research is an important way for those of us who are affected to be heard, so that understanding and support for the IPF patient community continues to improve.”

While a future with IPF is at times a daunting prospect, many people affected by the disease expressed a positive view of the year ahead. When asked what they or someone they know with IPF would like to spend time doing over the next year, 39% said they would enjoy time with family and one in five (21%) said they would like to travel or go on holiday.¹ 

Notes to Editor

About the ‘When I think of IPF, I think of…’ survey
The 'When I think of IPF, I think of...' research was conducted by Boehringer Ingelheim to explore the emotions and experiences of people living with IPF, from initial diagnosis to priorities for the future. An online poll was conducted among over 500 people affected by IPF across 23 countries. 77% of participants said they had been diagnosed with IPF and 19% said they had a friend/family member with IPF, or had cared for a friend/family member with IPF. There was an even split of male/female respondents and 82% of respondents were over 55 years of age.  A series of cinemagraphs have been developed to illustrate the key results of the survey. These cinemagraphs portray the different emotions associated with living with IPF and are available through this link: www.lifewithipf.com.

About Rare Disease Day
Rare Disease Day is a once-yearly event in which people living with or affected by a rare disease, patient organisations, politicians, carers, medical professionals, researchers and industry come together in solidarity to raise awareness of rare diseases. The Rare Disease Day 2016 theme ‘Patient Voice’ recognises the crucial role that patients play in voicing their needs and in instigating change that improves their lives and the lives of their families and carers.

About idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
IPF is a progressive and life threatening lung disease.⁵ IPF affects as many as 3 million people worldwide.^2,3 IPF is characterised by progressive scarring of lung tissue and loss of lung function over time.^5,7  Development of scarred tissue is called fibrosis. Over time, as the tissue thickens and stiffens with scarring, the lungs lose their ability to take in and transfer oxygen into the bloodstream and vital organs do not get enough oxygen.⁷ As a result, individuals with IPF experience shortness of breath, a non-productive cough and often have difficulty participating in everyday physical activities.⁶ All patients with IPF are at risk of acute IPF exacerbations.⁹ Defined as rapid deteriorations of symptoms within days or weeks,⁹ these events can occur at any point in the course of the disease, even at first presentation. 

For further information regarding IPF please visit the Boehringer Ingelheim News Centre 

About Boehringer Ingelheim
The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, Boehringer Ingelheim operates globally with 146 affiliates and a total of more than 47,700 employees. The focus of the family-owned company, founded in 1885, is researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing new medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

Social responsibility is an important element of the corporate culture at Boehringer Ingelheim. This includes worldwide involvement in social projects, such as the initiative “Making more Health” and caring for the employees. Respect, equal opportunities and reconciling career and family form the foundation of the mutual cooperation. In everything it does, the company focuses on environmental protection and sustainability.

In 2014, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about 13.3 billion euros. R&D expenditure corresponds to 19.9% of its net sales.

For more information please visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.com