For thousands of years humans have lived with dogs. It is no surprise that dogs are often woven into the fabric of our families. In patients with chronic medical problems, dogs can play a vital role in improving their quality of life. Increasingly, hospitals and rehabilitation programs are incorporating pet therapy into their treatments. If you have lung disease like … [Read more...]
The Doctor is In: Supplements, Vitamins & PAH with IPF
We received many great comments and topic suggestions recently and I will address a selection below. Several readers asked about whether there are supplements or vitamins that have a role in slowing the progression of IPF. If you listen to the radio, watch television or frankly are alive and have either functioning eyes or ears then you have no doubt heard the sales pitch … [Read more...]
Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients: Take a Vacation
Life does not stop because you are diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Rather, most of my patients feel that life accelerates. There seems to be a rush to accomplish certain tasks. Taking a family vacation is an important item on most of my patients’ to do list. IPF creates some challenges but these are not insurmountable with planning and flexibility. Patients … [Read more...]
Making Life Easier for Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients
One of the challenges of IPF is that as the disease progresses, the activities of daily living become more challenging. Getting out of the house becomes a big chore and patients increasingly limit what they are willing to do. This may lead to isolation and amplify loneliness and disconnection from family and friends. Hobbies are often ignored and your spouse or partner must … [Read more...]
2015 Updated American Thoracic Society Guidelines for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
The American Thoracic Society recently published updated guidelines for IPF. These new guidelines reflect the recent advances in treatment. We provide the link for those interested in the unabridged document. Below I summarize the recommendations. New and Revised Recommendations Against Use 1. Anticoagulation: strong recommendation against use for treatment of … [Read more...]