Cough is one of the most common symptoms in pulmonary fibrosis. In fact, some patients will come to medical attention seeking help with their cough. In health, coughing is a protective reflex or mechanism that helps keep our airway free of secretions and debris. We may cough voluntarily or coughing may be triggered by irritation of any part of … [Read more...]
Inhaled Nitric Oxide and Pulmonary Fibrosis
Bellerophon Phase 2 Study In November, Bellerophon announced that their phase 2 study of portable inhaled nitric oxide for pulmonary fibrosis led to clinically important improvements for patients. This is great news for the pulmonary fibrosis community. Patients with many different types of pulmonary fibrosis were included in the study. All had to be using … [Read more...]
Managing the Holiday Season with Pulmonary Fibrosis
The holiday season is a time to be surrounded by family and friends. Cocktail parties and family reunions are common. Celebrating with your family and friends often means decorating the house and cooking for many people. While this can be joyous, for patients with pulmonary fibrosis this time of year offers some extra … [Read more...]
A New Paradigm in the Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis
The standard approach to treating pulmonary fibrosis involves first determining if the pattern is typical of IPF or if the pattern is not typical. This assessment is primarily based on high resolution CT characteristics in combination with patient characteristics (age greater than 50, cough and shortness of breath, crackles and clubbing on lung exam). Patients … [Read more...]
Beware: Unapproved Treatments for IPF
We appreciate the great topic suggestions that our readers send us. Many of our readers ask us about unapproved treatments for IPF. Unapproved means not sufficiently researched or approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Stem Cell Infusion Over the years I have talked about the dangers of these “treatments”. The most … [Read more...]