Several readers recently inquired about why patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis often lose weight. Early in the course of IPF, patients have no problem maintaining their normal weight. However with advancing severity of IPF, many patients gradually lose weight. There are several contributing factors. Decreased appetite There are a few potential contributing … [Read more...]
Sex and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Patients ask their doctors many questions. However, most patients are quite shy when it comes to asking their lung doctor about sex. This does not mean that patients are not interested in learning more about sex and their lung disease. Unfortunately, Playboy has yet to publish on this topic. Chronic lung disease requires patients to make many compromises. They have to … [Read more...]
Researching Pulmonary Fibrosis on the Internet: Do’s & Don’ts
We live in an age of unrestricted access to information. Compared to thirty years ago, patients now have the ability to sit at home and look up any question on the Internet. Patients have access to the same information that physicians use. The primary literature (scientific journals that report the latest advances) is increasingly open-source, which means that no … [Read more...]
End of Life Planning for IPF Patients
Caring for patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis requires not just caring for their lung disease but also the impact that their lung disease has on them overall. With the approval of Esbreit (pirfenidone) and OFEV (nintedanib), we finally have medicines that slow the progression of IPF. However, these drugs are not a cure. Despite our best efforts, most patients with IPF will … [Read more...]
Traveling with Pulmonary Fibrosis
Having a chronic lung disease can have an impact on many aspects of your life. You may not be able to move as quickly or walk up hills. However, with proper planning you should still be able to enjoy vacations and traveling. Here are some important tips. Traveling with Oxygen for Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients For patients that require oxygen, it is important to plan ahead. … [Read more...]