What is Pulmonary Fibrosis? | National Jewish Health

This information was reviewed and approved by Jeffrey James Swigris, DO, MS (9/1/2017).

IPF has no formal staging system. However, thinking of the disease in four stages can help people with IPF prioritize their needs and get answers to their questions from their health care provider.

Although education regarding a variety of topics can occur at any time, the stages may help patients and their caregiver focus on what is needed and what to expect as time goes by. Review the individual stages below to get a list of questions to ask your doctor or health care provider.

Questions to Ask your Doctor During the Four Stages of IPF

Stage 1: Recently diagnosed
Stage 2: Needing oxygen with activity, but not at rest
Stage 3: Needing oxygen 24 hours a day, with activity, at rest and during sleep
Stage 4: Advanced oxygen needs (needing high-flow oxygen or when a lightweight, portable delivery system is unable to meet a patient’s needs).

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