Phoebe Raises Awareness about Pulmonary Fibrosis

Albany, GA | September 17, 2026 – Phoebe is joining healthcare and advocacy organizations nationwide in observing Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month this September, an effort to educate the public about a chronic and often under-recognized lung disease that causes progressive scarring of lung tissue.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) makes it increasingly difficult for the lungs to take in oxygen and deliver it to the rest of the body. Early symptoms such as shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, and fatigue are easy to mistake for aging. allergies, or less serious respiratory conditions. Early detection and treatment can prevent progression of the disease and improve quality of life, but many patients are not diagnosed until the disease has significantly progressed. The goal of this month’s awareness campaign is to help people recognize warning signs sooner and seek evaluation from a pulmonologist.

“Pulmonary fibrosis is one of those diseases that hides in plain sight. Patients often tell us they’ve been short of breath climbing stairs or doing yard work for a year or more before they ever mention it to a doctor. The earlier we catch it, the more options we have to help slow its progression and protect quality of life,” said Shanti Akers, MD, a pulmonologist at Phoebe Pulmonology.

According to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, more than 200,000 Americans are living with the disease, and around 50,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. PF can affect anyone, but it is most commonly diagnosed in adults over age 50, with a slightly higher prevalence among men and individuals with a history of smoking. In many cases, no single cause can be identified.

Phoebe is also encouraging patients with a family history of lung disease, unexplained chronic cough, or ongoing breathlessness to talk with their primary care provider to determine if they should see a pulmonary specialist.

“We want our community to understand that a nagging cough or feeling winded more easily isn’t something to just live with. A simple conversation with your doctor, followed by a pulmonary function test or imaging, if needed, can make a real difference in catching this disease at a stage where treatment is more effective,” said Dr. Akers.

The Phoebe Pulmonology team offers comprehensive diagnostic testing and ongoing disease management. For patients with advanced disease, Phoebe also connects individuals and families with support resources and, when appropriate, transplant evaluation programs.

“There’s no cure for pulmonary fibrosis yet, but there is hope. New antifibrotic therapies, pulmonary rehabilitation, and close monitoring have changed what a PF diagnosis means for patients compared to even a decade ago. We are fortunate to have a large team of experts at Phoebe Pulmonology, and we want PF patients in south Georgia to know that we are here to provide the care they need,” said Jyotir Mehta, MD, Pulmonologist and Medical Director of Critical Care Services at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with a Phoebe pulmonologist, call Phoebe Pulmonology at 229-312-5565.