Last week, I visited my pulmonologist at the University of California, San Francisco. I was a little nervous, because my last appointment six months ago was very discouraging. I had worsened significantly. This time, I got better news: no change since the last visit, which was encouraging. My…
By definition, a rhetorical question refers to one that seeks to make a point as opposed to seeking an answer. Lately, I have been asking myself rhetorical questions, and I am not expecting answers. But I am finding myself frustrated there are no answers. Most of these are…
Researchers have found another piece in the molecular puzzle of changes leading to pulmonary fibrosis — a cell signaling factor. It offers scientists a new target for developing lung-scarring treatments. Lung damage leads to the production of a protein that attracts immune cells to the area. Without this signaling, mice…
A factor called Krüpple-like-factor 4, or KLF4, treated lung fibrosis in a mouse model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by preventing epithelial cells of the lung from moving into a fibrosis-promoting state, researchers in China report, suggesting its potential as an IPF therapy. The study “Krüpple-like-factor 4 Attenuates Lung…
As I sit down to write this column, I am wiping away tears of frustration. I hope that getting all of my thoughts down on paper will help. I’ll be candid: I am angry at my chronic illness. I don’t have time for it, and neither do the…
Thyroid hormone, delivered through aerosol inhalation, helped to resolve lung scarring in a mouse model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), according to research published in the journal Nature Medicine. The study provides evidence that lung fibrosis is a disease caused — at least partly — by abnormalities in metabolic processes…
For those of you who are animal lovers, you probably already know that pets can be remarkable companions through illness, injury, loss or throughout any type of recovery period. There are many testimonials and personal stories online about how pets have helped a patient through chronic illness, injury or even…
An anti-inflammatory agent known as ulinastatin decreases pulmonary fibrosis, and at high doses may protect against lung tissue scarring, a study in rats showed. The research, “Therapeutic effect of ulinastatin on pulmonary fibrosis via downregulation of TGF‑β1, TNF‑α and NF‑κB,” was published in the journal Molecular Medicine Reports.
Last week, my husband and I met with a palliative care nurse. A few weeks ago, I shared in another column my frustration with seeking palliative care. Our meeting with this nurse was very helpful. I’ll share what I learned, and I hope it will…
A recent study found that around half of the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients surveyed had not been fully informed about their treatment by their health care team, yet 93 percent of respondents said they wanted to learn about treatments and therapies directly from their doctor rather than other sources. Understanding how…
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