Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Jeremy Feldman, MD

Pulmonary Fibrosis and Gastro-Esophageal Reflux: 2019 Update

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Pulmonary fibrosis may result from many assaults to the lungs including chronic inflammation, severe or recurrent pneumonia and also recurrent severe gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) that leads to aspiration of stomach contents into your lungs.  Over the years there has been variable focus on GER and its contribution to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).  Early data suggested a … [Read more...]

How Do I Know if I Have Chosen A Good IPF Doctor?

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  I am a bit paranoid when it comes to taking my car to the mechanic.  I know almost nothing about cars and feel vulnerable.  As a result, I do a lot of homework.  I read reviews from other customers, check the better business bureau and make sure the mechanics are certified.  This certainly does not guarantee that I will receive honest capable service but I hope … [Read more...]

Pamrevlumab Being Studied to Treat IPF

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IPF remains a difficult disease to treat.  In the last few years OFEV and Esbriet were approved and have been effective in slowing the progression but most patients will still progress over time.  The search for new and better therapies to treat IPF continues and one of several exciting candidates is Pamrevlumab.  This is an antibody to CTGF (connective tissue growth factor).  … [Read more...]

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pulmonary Fibrosis

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Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints.  It typically involves the hands, wrists and feet but can involve any joint.  What is less well known is that Rheumatoid Arthritis can involve the lungs in many ways. Pulmonary Fibrosis:  scarring of the lungs Bronchiolitis Obliterans:  an airway disease that behaves like severe asthma Rheumatoid … [Read more...]

Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

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One of the non-IPF causes of pulmonary fibrosis is chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.  This disease is probably more common than we think.  Patients have symptoms of cough and shortness of breath. The disease is slowly progressive for the most part, though there is a form that is more dramatic with fevers and rapidly progressive symptoms. Causes of Hypersensitivity … [Read more...]