Typical oxygen flow rates are between 2 and 5 liters per minute.  For most patients that require supplemental oxygen this provides adequate support.  However, some patients require higher flow rates to meet their needs.  My approach is a stepwise algorithm to address my patient’s oxygen needs.  Some patients with very advanced pulmonary fibrosis have severely low oxygen levels … [Read more...]

We appreciate our readers submitting questions. Why Does Leg Swelling Develop in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis? Early in IPF, common symptoms are cough and shortness of breath with vigorous exercise or walking up inclines.  As IPF progresses, there is progressive loss of lung tissue including blood vessels in the lungs.  Over time, this leads to increased work … [Read more...]

For thousands of years humans have lived with dogs.  It is no surprise that dogs are often woven into the fabric of our families.  In patients with chronic medical problems, dogs can play a vital role in improving their quality of life.  Increasingly, hospitals and rehabilitation programs are incorporating pet therapy into their treatments. If you have lung disease like … [Read more...]

Life does not stop because you are diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.  Rather, most of my patients feel that life accelerates.  There seems to be a rush to accomplish certain tasks.  Taking a family vacation is an important item on most of my patients’ to do list.  IPF creates some challenges but these are not insurmountable with planning and flexibility. Patients … [Read more...]

One of the challenges of IPF is that as the disease progresses, the activities of daily living become more challenging. Getting out of the house becomes a big chore and patients increasingly limit what they are willing to do. This may lead to isolation and amplify loneliness and disconnection from family and friends. Hobbies are often ignored and your spouse or partner must … [Read more...]