Over 1,000 people are currently living with the lung condition, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and around 360 new cases are diagnosed every year.

This week is IPF World Week and according to the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA), the aim of this event is to create an international network to support those living with this condition.

IPF is a chronic and progressive disease which involves the development of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the lungs. Patients develop extreme breathlessness, coughing, fatigue and eventually respiratory failure, which can see them depending on oxygen therapy 24 hours per day.

A person's life expectancy from their time of diagnosis is usually between two and five years. There is no known cause.

The theme of IPF World Week is ‘Breath of Hope', and it wants to highlight the importance of creating awareness of this condition and ensuring that those with it have access to appropriate care and information.

A recent study carried out by the ILFA found that 45% of those with IPF had to stop working as a result of the disease, and their main carers - usually a partner or child - also had to reduce their working hours in order to perform their caring duties.

Those surveyed also said that simple tasks, such as climbing stairs, were very challenging, while socialising and exercising had also become very difficult, as a result of breathlessness, fatigue and sleep problems.

Some of the psychological problems experienced by sufferers included anxiety and guilt about being a burden on their families.

The ILFA has a number of projects in place to help people with IPF, including its ‘2,000 Steps a Day Challenge' programme, which is a daily exercise plan developed to help patients stay fit. Support groups are also available.

IPF World Week runs from September 17-25. For more information on living with the condition, click here

For more information on the ILFA, click here