Measuring how your IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis) is doing is a very important part of regular visits with your pulmonologist. Tests that have been shown to have value include pulmonary function tests (breathing tests), six minute walk tests, your oxygen saturation at rest and with exercise, and how you perceive your symptoms (what activities cause you to be short of … [Read more...]
Gastro-Esophageal Reflux and IPF: Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?
We have mentioned that GERD is an important concern for patients with IPF. We have ample data showing that patients with IPF are at greatly increased risk of having either symptomatic or silent (without any symptoms) GERD and even aspiration of small amounts of stomach contents into the lungs. However, what remains unclear is how this should impact patient care. We don’t … [Read more...]
Exciting Research Developments in Pulmonary Fibrosis
The IPF community is happy to have 2 FDA approved medications. However, our enthusiasm is tempered by the fact that neither Esbriet nor OFEV improve lung function. They both have been shown to slow the progression of IPF. It is clear that more medications are needed to improve the outcomes of our patients. Reata Pharmaceuticals, a relative new-comer to Pulmonary Fibrosis, … [Read more...]
FAQ’s: N-Acetyl Cyteine, Air Travel & GI Side Effects with IPF
Answering Your Questions Why does this site not endorse the use of N-Acetyl Cyteine (NAC) for IPF? The PANTHER study conclusively showed that there is no benefit to the use of this medication. The risks of NAC are minimal but we are not in a position to endorse medications that are shown not to be beneficial in high quality studies. NAC has a long track record of being safe … [Read more...]
Summer Heat and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Depending on where you live, summer may be something to look forward to or a time of increased breathing symptoms. If you live in the southwestern United States or other desert climates, summer means punishing heat for many months. Patients with chronic lung disease like Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis do not tolerate these extremes of temperature very well. In other parts of … [Read more...]