A common question we receive from our readers and patients is whether it is safe for patients with chronic lung disease to travel to higher elevations.  For the sake of this discussion we will use 5,000 ft. or greater as high altitude.  This is an important question since many of the tourist attractions are either at higher elevation or require driving across mountains that … [Read more...]

Sex is part of life and can be part of life after a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis.  Most patients are reluctant to talk about this topic with their doctor.  And Dr. Ruth does not offer much guidance for patients with lung disease.  I wrote on this topic last in 2015 and it is time to revisit this issue. Why Is Sex Important for Patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis? Sex is an … [Read more...]

Pulmonary rehabilitation classes can be beneficial for people with lung disease including pulmonary fibrosis. In addition to exercise, pulmonary rehab provides education and support. But some rehab programs are also adding music to the mix. It might be surprising to learn that harmonica therapy is being implemented in some pulmonary rehabilitation classes around the country. … [Read more...]

Summer in Phoenix is a little bit like spending six months in an oven. Many people have pools and enjoy the escape into the water. However my patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis using oxygen are often afraid to get into their pools. While this apprehension is understandable, requiring supplemental oxygen does not have to be a barrier to enjoying a dip in the pool or even … [Read more...]

If you have pulmonary fibrosis, even activities of daily living, such as showering and doing housework, may leave you short of breath. Because of the breathlessness, exercise may not be on the top of your to-do list. In fact, some people with PF may avoid physical activities as much as possible to prevent air hunger. But exercise can be beneficial for people living with … [Read more...]