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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Jeremy Feldman, MD

  • What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?
    • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Definition
    • Symptoms of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Causes of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Who Gets Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Gastro-Esophageal Reflux (GER) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Interstitial Lung Disease vs. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Is Pulmonary Fibrosis Hereditary?
    • Research, Life Expectancy and Prognosis for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Diagnosing & Monitoring PF
    • Monitoring Progress of IPF
    • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosis
    • Chest X-rays Used in IPF
    • CPET used in IPF
    • HRCT Scans Used to Evaluate IPF
    • Lung Biopsy To Diagnose IPF
    • Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTS)
    • Six Minute Walk Test To Monitor IPF
    • Stages of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Complications of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • PF Treatment Options
    • Esbriet (pirfenidone) Used to Treat IPF
    • OFEV (nintedanib) Used to Treat IPF
    • Pulmonary Rehab for IPF Patients
    • Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Oxygen Used to Treat IPF
      • Update on Oxygen Use
    • Clinical Trials in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF & Leg Swelling
    • Pulmonary Hypertension and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF Exacerbation
  • PF Advocacy & News
  • FAQ’s
    • Respiratory failure, NSIP, diet
    • Leg swelling, lung biopsy, side effects & pets
    • FAQ’s Enzyme Therapy, Progression of IPF & Oxygen
    • FAQ: Diarrhea, Fibrosis Reversal, IPF Symptoms
    • FAQ: Oxygen Flow, Anesthesia & Genetics
    • FAQ: Contagious Cough? Stem Cells, Familial IPF, Flying
    • FAQ: GERD, Fatigue & Environmental Exposure
    • FAQ: How to Travel to Your Doctor’s Office with Oxygen
    • FAQ: Lung Biopsy with Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • FAQ’s: Alcohol, Clinical Trials, Pulmonary Function Testing
    • FAQs: Emphysema, Exercise & Lung Biopsy

Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonitis vs. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

November 29, 2017 By Dr. Jeremy Feldman

IPF chest X-Ray

Pulmonary fibrosis is a somewhat generic term that describes scarring in the lungs.  Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a very specific term that describes a specific disease process that leads to progressive scarring in the lungs.  During the evaluation of scarring in the lungs, your doctor considers a variety of diseases that can cause scarring in the lungs.  Two of the … [Read more...]

FAQ: Diarrhea, Reversing Fibrosis, IPF Symptoms

March 6, 2017 By Dr. Jeremy Feldman

Your IPF Questions Answered I would like to thank our readers for asking outstanding questions. Are there any good options to help deal with the diarrhea that can occur with the medications that are approved for the treatment of IPF (OFEV and Esbriet)? Our approach has focused on adjusting diet to increase fiber and then adding over-the-counter Imodium.  If that is not … [Read more...]

A New Approach to Diagnosing IPF?

December 29, 2016 By Dr. Jeremy Feldman

IPF lung tissue

The current approach to diagnosing IPF requires careful review of high-resolution CT scan images of the lungs integrated with other data from history and physical exam and pulmonary function testing.  Unfortunately, many patients are left with an uncertain diagnosis and require invasive testing such as a surgical lung biopsy.  Current best practice has been to proceed with … [Read more...]

How is My Pulmonary Fibrosis Doing?

October 7, 2016 By Dr. Jeremy Feldman

Discussion about IPF

Unfortunately in IPF, we currently have no therapy that improves lung function.  As a result, we settle for stability as the goal of therapy.  Currently approved therapies (OFEV and Esbriet) have both been shown to reduce the rate of decline in lung capacity compared to placebo. How do we track the progression or stability of IPF? There are three broad ways that your … [Read more...]

What if My Pulmonary Fibrosis is Getting Worse?

September 16, 2016 By Dr. Jeremy Feldman

IPF symptoms

The first and most important point is that regular evaluations of your lung function and exercise capacity are important to identify if your IPF is getting worse.  Patients may feel worse for many reasons—some lung related and others in no way related to lung function.  As a result, I am a believer in regular pulmonary function testing and six minute walks. In the patient … [Read more...]

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Recent Posts

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Popular Articles

IPF patient with doctor

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment Options

What is IPF?

  • What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?
    • Symptoms of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Causes of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Who Gets Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Gastro-Esophageal Reflux (GER) and IPF
    • Interstitial Lung Disease vs. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Is Pulmonary Fibrosis Hereditary?
    • Research, Life Expectancy & Prognosis for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Diagnosing IPF

  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosis
    • Chest X-rays Used in IPF
    • CPET used in IPF
    • HRCT Scans Used to Evaluate IPF
    • Lung Biopsy To Diagnose IPF
    • Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTS)
    • Six Minute Walk Test To Monitor IPF
    • Stages of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Complications of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Treating IPF

  • Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment Options
    • Esbriet (pirfenidone) Used to Treat IPF
    • OFEV (nintedanib) Used to Treat IPF
    • Pulmonary Rehab for IPF Patients
    • Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Oxygen Used to Treat IPF
    • Clinical Trials in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF & Leg Swelling
    • Pulmonary Hypertension and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF Exacerbation

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