Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is one of many lung diseases that leave scar or fibrosis in the lungs. Patients with IPF generally are older than 50 years of age and don’t have a connective tissue disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus or other diseases associated with scarring in the lungs. The high resolution CT scans show lower lobe predominant … [Read more...]
FAQ: Lung Biopsy with Pulmonary Fibrosis
We greatly appreciate the questions that our readers submit. We recently received a collection of questions about lung biopsy. Why is Lung Biopsy Important in Pulmonary Fibrosis? Pulmonary fibrosis is a general term that describes scarring in the lungs. There are many lung diseases that have lung scarring as a feature. Determining the specific lung disease is … [Read more...]
IPF and Pulmonary Embolism: Is there a Connection?
A pulmonary embolism, or PE, involves a blood clot that breaks loose from another area of the body and travels to the lungs. Some research indicates that having pulmonary fibrosis increases a person’s risk of developing a pulmonary embolism as a result of venous thromboembolism (VTE). What is a Pulmonary Embolism? A VTE is a blood clot that develops in a vein. In many cases, … [Read more...]
Busting Influenza Myths: Get Your Flu Shot!
It is that time of year again. Summer is fading. The temperature is starting to drop and we are already seeing cases of influenza (Flu). It is time to get your flu shot (influenza vaccination). Each year I write about the importance of getting this easy preventative measure. In my office starting in September we try and make sure that every patient is vaccinated. An ounce … [Read more...]
Emphysema (COPD) and Pulmonary Fibrosis
Emphysema (also referred to as COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is usually a smoking related lung disease characterized by slowly progressive destruction of lung tissue resulting in holes in the lungs. This usually affects the top of the lungs more than the bottom. Most patients have smoked for at least a decade typically a pack a day or more of cigarettes. … [Read more...]