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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

Staying Fit During the COVID-19 Pandemic

April 6, 2020 By Dr. Jeremy Feldman

Exercise with IPF

Staying Healthy with Lung Disease

Many of you are probably accustomed to exercising regularly.  Perhaps you went to pulmonary rehab programs or the local gym.  As we are all hunkering down and sheltering in place our usual routines are tipped upside down.  This pandemic is not a sprint but rather a marathon and we need to find ways to stay in shape.  

Walking is Good for You

The good news is that across the country, the weather has been fairly mild in most parts.  This means that walking outside is your best option.  Take your spouse or your dog, your pet peacock or some music and get walking.  If you use portable oxygen, don’t forget to bring that too.  Plan your route.  Do you need a place to rest?  Do you feel most comfortable staying close to home?  Put a chair in front of your house and make laps up and down your street.  Take a break and recover then do another few minutes of walking.  

Walking is only part of a balanced exercise program.  Light weights are also important, as is core strength (abdominal muscles and balance).  If you don’t have small hand weights then grab a couple cans from the pantry.  These weigh about a pound.  If you need heavier weights, then fill empty milk cartons with water and use them.  Three sets of ten exercises such as arm curls and raising the cans above your head are a good start.  

Core Strength 

Core strength and balance should not be neglected.  Stand behind a chair and do lateral (to the side) leg raises and posterior (behind you) leg raises.  Rising from a seated position is a great work out for the quadriceps.  Try doing three sets of five repetitions to start and gradually increase the number over time.  Next stand behind your chair and stand up on your toes.  Try doing three sets of 10 repetitions.  

If you don’t have a family member with whom to exercise, then get your headphones on and call a friend and exercise and talk to your friends at the same time.  You can both be exercising separately but together.  Maybe you prefer to listen to your favorite music, whatever motivates you.  If you have access to internet or a smartphone then you can even participate in group fitness activities using Zoom or other social media platforms.  

Exercising is so important not just for physical health but also for our mental health.  When we exercise, our brains release hormones that improve our mood and outlook.  During stressful times, it is especially important to harness the positive power of exercise on our brain chemistry. With a little creativity we can stay in shape even if the gyms are closed across the country.  

Filed Under: Respiratory Viruses

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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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