Your IPF Questions Answered I would like to thank our readers for asking outstanding questions. Are there any good options to help deal with the diarrhea that can occur with the medications that are approved for the treatment of IPF (OFEV and Esbriet)? Our approach has focused on adjusting diet to increase fiber and then adding over-the-counter Imodium. If that is not … [Read more...]
FAQ’s: Enzyme Therapy, Hereditary IPF, Progression of IPF & Oxygen
Your Questions Answered Is here a role for “systemic enzyme therapy” in fibrotic lung disease? There is no high quality medical study or real science that supports the over the counter enzyme replacement products in the treatment of any lung disease including Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF or non-specific interstitial pneumonitis). I have written about these “supplements” and they … [Read more...]
A New Approach to Diagnosing IPF?
The current approach to diagnosing IPF requires careful review of high-resolution CT scan images of the lungs integrated with other data from history and physical exam and pulmonary function testing. Unfortunately, many patients are left with an uncertain diagnosis and require invasive testing such as a surgical lung biopsy. Current best practice has been to proceed with … [Read more...]
Getting Through The Holidays
Each year we build up the holidays to be a tremendous event. We have grand hopes that everyone will get along, the food will be perfect and all the gifts will be loved. The reality is that the holiday season is very stressful in many different ways. Patients with chronic lung disease feel the same pressure to find great gifts and be part of the preparation. The increased … [Read more...]
How Will I Afford My IPF Medication?
Many of my patients that are on treatment with either OFEV or Esbriet receive assistance from Caring Voices Coalition. As of the end of 2016, Caring Voices will no longer be supporting IPF patients. This has created tremendous anxiety and stress as many patients are facing a many thousand dollar out-of-pocket cost to obtain access to their IPF treatments. The reason behind … [Read more...]