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...]
Update on Oxygen Use for IPF Patients
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...]