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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Jeremy Feldman, MD

  • What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?
    • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Definition
    • Symptoms of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Causes of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Who Gets Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Gastro-Esophageal Reflux (GER) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Interstitial Lung Disease vs. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Is Pulmonary Fibrosis Hereditary?
    • Research, Life Expectancy and Prognosis for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Diagnosing & Monitoring PF
    • Monitoring Progress of IPF
    • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosis
    • Chest X-rays Used in IPF
    • CPET used in IPF
    • HRCT Scans Used to Evaluate IPF
    • Lung Biopsy To Diagnose IPF
    • Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTS)
    • Six Minute Walk Test To Monitor IPF
    • Stages of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Complications of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • PF Treatment Options
    • Esbriet (pirfenidone) Used to Treat IPF
    • OFEV (nintedanib) Used to Treat IPF
    • Pulmonary Rehab for IPF Patients
    • Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Oxygen Used to Treat IPF
      • Update on Oxygen Use
    • Clinical Trials in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF & Leg Swelling
    • Pulmonary Hypertension and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF Exacerbation
  • PF Advocacy & News
  • FAQ’s
    • Respiratory failure, NSIP, diet
    • Leg swelling, lung biopsy, side effects & pets
    • FAQ’s Enzyme Therapy, Progression of IPF & Oxygen
    • FAQ: Diarrhea, Fibrosis Reversal, IPF Symptoms
    • FAQ: Oxygen Flow, Anesthesia & Genetics
    • FAQ: Contagious Cough? Stem Cells, Familial IPF, Flying
    • FAQ: GERD, Fatigue & Environmental Exposure
    • FAQ: How to Travel to Your Doctor’s Office with Oxygen
    • FAQ: Lung Biopsy with Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • FAQ’s: Alcohol, Clinical Trials, Pulmonary Function Testing
    • FAQs: Emphysema, Exercise & Lung Biopsy

Alternative Medicines and IPF

January 26, 2016 By Dr. Jeremy Feldman

citrusUntil last year, the IPF community had no FDA approved medications to treat Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.  Today we have two medications (OFEV and Esbriet).  Both probably improve survival by slowing disease progression and decreasing the frequency of dangerous flares of the disease.  Unfortunately, these medications do nothing to decrease some of the most troubling symptoms of IPF such as cough and shortness of breath.

Our readers have inquired about alternative medicine interventions in IPF.  I encourage my patients to explore alternative treatments if they desire.  However, be wary of scammers and promises that can’t be kept.  The grander the promise, the greater the scam.  Don’t use alternative medications to replace medicines and interventions based on good quality science.  Don’t let your wish for an easy fix blind you to the cost and implausibility of claims made by snake oil salesmen.

Essential Oils

There is a small craze over essential oils. These may be applied to certain parts of the body or even nebulized.  The claims are tremendous.  What they deliver is probably far short of the promises.  That being said, I have no objection and would even encourage my patients to experiment with these interventions provided that the consumers proceed with open eyes.

If you are looking for a cure for IPF in essential oils, you will not find one.  Some patients may experience improvements in symptoms.  Essential oils should not be used as an alternative to medicines that are proven to be effective, nor should they be used as an alternative to participating in a research study.

Nutritional Supplements

Have you heard the claims that a tablet containing a proprietary blend of antioxidants and amino acids will cure IPF?  Anyone that has searched the Internet has probably seen these advertisements.  For a bargain price of several hundred dollars you can have a one-month supply.  My advice is eat a balanced diet and pass on the expensive supplements.  On the other hand, if you want to try taking cumin, cinnamon, garlic or other spices, proceed. Just don’t empty your bank account in the process.

Acupuncture and Acupressure

I think these are great supplements to western medicine.  These techniques may offer some improvement in cough with minimal risk.  The treatments are not cheap so don’t break the bank.  Beware of overly ambitious promises.

Homeopathy

The claims by some naturopaths can be quite amazing.  I would be very skeptical in this area.  These practitioners often like to diagnose metal toxicity syndromes and prescribe chelation therapy. There is no role for chelation therapy in IPF.  There is no role for vitamin C infusion in IPF.

Prayer and Faith Healing

I long ago learned to accept help from all quarters in the treatment of progressive life threatening medical problems.  While prayer is not going to cure IPF, using faith as a pillar of support and a coping mechanism is highly effective.

Filed Under: IPF Treatment

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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment Options

What is IPF?

  • What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?
    • Symptoms of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Causes of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Who Gets Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Gastro-Esophageal Reflux (GER) and IPF
    • Interstitial Lung Disease vs. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Is Pulmonary Fibrosis Hereditary?
    • Research, Life Expectancy & Prognosis for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Diagnosing IPF

  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosis
    • Chest X-rays Used in IPF
    • CPET used in IPF
    • HRCT Scans Used to Evaluate IPF
    • Lung Biopsy To Diagnose IPF
    • Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTS)
    • Six Minute Walk Test To Monitor IPF
    • Stages of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Complications of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Treating IPF

  • Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment Options
    • Esbriet (pirfenidone) Used to Treat IPF
    • OFEV (nintedanib) Used to Treat IPF
    • Pulmonary Rehab for IPF Patients
    • Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Oxygen Used to Treat IPF
    • Clinical Trials in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF & Leg Swelling
    • Pulmonary Hypertension and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF Exacerbation

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