CHEST Guidelines-Managing-Fatigue-in-Patients-With-Interstitial-Lun

Managing-Fatigue-in-Patients-With-Interstitial-Lun

Pdf Summary

Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), significantly affecting quality of life, work capacity, and social interactions. The exact cause of fatigue in ILD is complex and multifactorial, involving physiological, psychological, and behavioral components. Although fatigue is well-recognized in ILD, specific studies exploring effective treatments are limited. Available research indicates that fatigue impacts virtually all forms of ILD with varying prevalence, depending on diagnostic criteria and patient reporting, making systematic assessment crucial in clinical settings. <br /><br />Management of fatigue in ILD should be comprehensive and individualized, targeting various contributory factors. Initial steps involve optimizing treatment for the underlying ILD and addressing any treatable contributing factors like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or medication side effects. Supportive measures such as exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation have shown potential benefits in reducing fatigue. <br /><br />Behavioral aspects, including managing stress, maintaining physical activity, and avoiding substances like caffeine or alcohol, also play a significant role. Interdisciplinary support, involving physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers, may aid in better managing fatigue. Neurostimulants like methylphenidate and armodafinil have shown promise in small studies for sarcoidosis-linked fatigue but remain understudied in other ILDs.<br /><br />Despite its significant impact, evidence-based guidelines for treating fatigue in ILD remain undeveloped, necessitating further research. A multidisciplinary, tailored approach appears optimal for addressing fatigue, enhancing patient quality of life. Collaboration outside ILD research is crucial, given fatigue's prevalence across chronic diseases. Understanding fatigue's pathophysiology and effective intervention strategies could lead to improved care for ILD patients.

Keywords

fatigue

interstitial lung disease

quality of life

multifactorial

treatment

pulmonary rehabilitation

neurostimulants

interdisciplinary support

pathophysiology

chronic diseases