Is the cough from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) contagious? Chronic cough from IPF is not contagious at all. It is one of the most frustrating symptoms of IPF.  Please see the link to cough and IPF for more information.  Chronic Cough in IPF We continue to receive many questions about stem cells and IPF. Stem cells are special cells that reside in your bone marrow, … [Read more...]

Your Questions Answered We appreciate all the great questions that our readers submit. Here are some answers to common Pulmonary Fibrosis questions we receive. What is the difference between pulse flow (demand) and continuous flow and when should they be used? Oxygen can be delivered through a continuous flow regulator. This means that oxygen flows all the time at the same … [Read more...]

Your Questions Answered Is here a role for “systemic enzyme therapy” in fibrotic lung disease? There is no high quality medical study or real science that supports the over the counter enzyme replacement products in the treatment of any lung disease including Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF or non-specific interstitial pneumonitis).  I have written about these “supplements” and they … [Read more...]

Answering Your Questions Why does this site not endorse the use of N-Acetyl Cyteine (NAC) for IPF? The PANTHER study conclusively showed that there is no benefit to the use of this medication.  The risks of NAC are minimal but we are not in a position to endorse medications that are shown not to be beneficial in high quality studies.  NAC has a long track record of being safe … [Read more...]

Your Pulmonary Fibrosis Questions Answered Our readers have submitted some great questions.  We value your questions and encourage you to continue to tell us about your interests and questions. What can be expected when a patient develops abrupt respiratory failure on a background of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis? IPF is an unpredictable disease.  There can be long periods … [Read more...]