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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

Man’s Best Friend

November 16, 2015 By Dr. Jeremy Feldman

Pets for Patients with Lung DiseaseFor 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 Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis or Pulmonary Hypertension, getting a pet may provide many benefits.

 

The Benefits of a Pet for Patients with Lung Disease

1.     The unconditional love of a pet is like a shot of positive energy on a daily basis.

2.     Having a pet that depends on you requires you to engage the outside world.

3.     Pets help reduce anxiety and pain.

4.     Having a pet can serve as motivation to get outside the house.

5.     Pets help you connect with other people.  People are more likely to engage in conversation with you when you have a pet with you.

A wonderful patient of mine was struggling with anxiety and depression caused by her lung disease.  She lived alone and felt isolated.  She adopted a maltese (small breed hypoallergenic dog).  We filled paperwork out allowing the dog to be classified as a therapy dog.  Immediately, the patient’s mood brightened. She would sit at the park with her dog and strangers would approach her in conversation about her dog.  When she was hospitalized, her dog stayed with her.  After her lung transplantation, her dog stayed with her in the ICU.

Another patient of mine was dealing with chronic pain.  Medications were not very effective in reducing her pain symptoms.  In the hospital we encouraged her family to bring in her dog from home.  Immediately upon the dog’s arrival, the patient relaxed, her pain scores dropped and she was much more comfortable.

Choosing the Right Pet

I am partial to dogs but cats can serve the same function.  When you come to considering what type of dog would be best, consider the size of the dog, temperament, and how you plan to care for your new pet.  If you have balance problems, then a large dog may not be a great choice.  If you live in a small apartment, then a smaller dog would likely be better.  If you have allergies, choose a breed that is hypoallergenic such as a Poodle, Maltese, or Havanese (there are many others too).  Consider whether you have the time and energy to train a puppy.  If not, then consider adopting a shelter dog that is already house-trained.  Be realistic about your capabilities.  If you are not able to care for a pet by yourself, then consider becoming a regular visitor at a pet shelter.  If you are periodically hospitalized and you live alone, be sure to plan ahead and make arrangements for someone to care for your pet.

Filed Under: IPF Tips

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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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