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...]
Non-Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
We have received a variety of questions about pulmonary fibrosis that is not Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The terminology is quite confusing in this area of medicine. IPF is a very specific diagnosis that is only a small portion of the universe of pulmonary fibrosis. Most patients with pulmonary fibrosis have non-IPF pulmonary fibrosis. Many types of lung … [Read more...]
Pulmonary Fibrosis Exacerbation
Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) often enjoy prolonged periods of stability where their disease does not progress. Other patients may have very gradual worsening of symptoms. On this background, IPF patients at times may experience more abrupt decline. Many patients first notice increased cough followed by increased shortness of breath. This pattern should … [Read more...]
September is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month
Knowledge is power! We hope to spread the word about IPF to empower patients and caregivers and drive interest in treatment and research to find a cure for IPF. We are participating in a national and international effort to raise awareness about Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. What is IPF? IPF is an as yet irreversible scarring process of the lungs. The two cardinal symptoms … [Read more...]
Depression and Pulmonary Fibrosis
You are not alone. Depression is a common problem for patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Common symptoms include feeling blue, loss of interest in activities that you usually enjoy, increased or decreased sleep, irritability, change in appetite, frequent crying, avoiding social situations and thoughts of hurting yourself. The symptoms of depression may be mild, moderate or … [Read more...]