A common problem with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is the slow development of leg swelling or edema.  This process is a maladaptive response to progressive lung disease.  The heart, lungs, kidneys and brain all talk to each other through hormones.  In health, the heart pumps adequate amounts of blood to the kidneys.  Fluid and salt in your body are meticulously regulated.  If … [Read more...]

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...]