Typical oxygen flow rates are between 2 and 5 liters per minute. For most patients that require supplemental oxygen this provides adequate support. However, some patients require higher flow rates to meet their needs. My approach is a stepwise algorithm to address my patient’s oxygen needs. Some patients with very advanced pulmonary fibrosis have severely low oxygen levels … [Read more...]
Your FAQ’s: Abrupt Respiratory Failure, Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonia, Diet & IPF
Your Pulmonary Fibrosis Questions Answered Our readers have submitted some great questions. We value your questions and encourage you to continue to tell us about your interests and questions. What can be expected when a patient develops abrupt respiratory failure on a background of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis? IPF is an unpredictable disease. There can be long periods … [Read more...]
Your IPF Questions Answered
We appreciate our readers submitting questions. Why Does Leg Swelling Develop in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis? Early in IPF, common symptoms are cough and shortness of breath with vigorous exercise or walking up inclines. As IPF progresses, there is progressive loss of lung tissue including blood vessels in the lungs. Over time, this leads to increased work … [Read more...]
Don’t Be Discouraged
Phase 2 Study for Simtuzumab as IPF Treatment Stopped Gilead Sciences recently announced that their large phase 2 study of Simtuzumab (identified by the acronym RAINIER) was stopped at the mid-term analysis for lack of efficacy. We were all saddened by the news. The IPF community was riding high after two successful molecules were approved (Esbriet and OFEV). However, we … [Read more...]
Alternative Medicines and IPF
Until 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 … [Read more...]