In 2014, before I received an official diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, I attended the wedding of my niece, Stefania, in Breckenridge, Colorado. The town’s elevation is 9,600 feet. Although my lung function at the time was 62 percent, my doctor gave me the all-clear to attend, but she prescribed…
Despite Breathing Issues, I’m Grateful for a Visit with My Niece
Rare disease-themed videos glowed on a large screen before an audience of people in wheelchairs, with crutches, and bearing oxygen tanks this Nov. 9 and 10 in San Francisco. Disorder: The Rare Disease Film Festival strives to eventually host a film about every one of the nearly 7,000 rare…
I am home safe and sound after a whirlwind three days at the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) Summit in San Antonio. In a previous column, I wrote about why I was looking forward to attending the summit. Being among other PF patients and their caregivers was beneficial in…
Indalo Therapeutics’ lead investigational anti-fibrotic candidate, IDL-2965, is safe and shows favorable pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, and elimination in the body) in healthy people, according to interim results of a Phase 1/2a clinical trial. The results were presented at the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) Summit, held Nov. 7–9 in…
Exposure to dust in the workplace for 10 years or longer seems to have no detrimental effect on the response of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) to anti-fibrotic treatment with Esbriet (pirfenidone) or Ofev (nintedanib), a study has found. The study “Antifibrotic treatment response and…
When I engage with the pulmonary fibrosis (PF) community online, I frequently hear about the difficulties of living with an invisible illness. Sometimes it feels nearly impossible to convey my experience of living with this chronic lung condition, which is characterized by progressive scarring of the lungs, shortness…
Ofev (nintedanib) slows the rate of decline in lung function in people with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) associated with autoimmune diseases, a new analysis of data from a Phase 3 clinical trial suggests. Ofev is an anti-fibrotic therapy — a medication that lessens tissue scarring — that is already…
CrystecPharma signed a letter of understanding with Iconovo to develop innovative dry powder inhaler solutions for the treatment of patients with lung diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. Direct delivery of medications into the lungs permits their rapid uptake via a non-invasive route. The two key factors that determine successful…
Learning that you or a loved one might need a lung transplant is scary. You probably have a lot of questions, and may wonder whether they are the right ones. You want to know if you are looking in the right place for answers. Talking with your doctors…
We all know about the benefits of exercise and try our best to incorporate it into our lives. While engaging in physical activity is difficult when living with a chronic lung condition, doctors and physical therapists recommend that those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) stay as active as possible.
