Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive chronic lung condition that affects people both emotionally and physically. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a patient-focused drug development initiative where people living with IPF could talk freely about the effect the disease has on their everyday lives. Here’s…
5 Ways Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Impacts Daily Life
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s inaugural PFF Walk raised more than $234,000, three times the goal of $70,000, for research on the disease and for patient services. More than 1,000 patients, families, caregivers and healthcare professionals from 40 U.S. states participated in the event Sept. 9 to mark Pulmonary…
Autoimmunity may drive idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), according to a study that found a link between certain autoantibodies —those that target the body’s own cells and tissues — and disease progression in these patients. The study, “Autoimmunity to Vimentin Is Associated with Outcomes of Patients with Idiopathic…
“How are you doing?” is the infamous quintessential question I am confident all patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are asked on a regular basis. Lately, this question has been a bit of an emotional trigger for me in several ways. I anticipate hearing it when I see…
Managing a chronic illness can be difficult. There are many different medications to take (often at different times), appointments to remember, symptoms to keep track of, and lots of information to absorb. Thankfully, living in a digital age means that there are numerous mobile apps that can help you manage…
This video from the American Lung Association demonstrates how to perform the “pursed-lip” breathing technique and explains how it can help those who are living with a chronic lung disease. MORE: Eight possible warning signs that your lungs are failing The exercise helps people who are experiencing shortness…
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are prone to depression and anxiety, which clearly affects their quality of life — regardless of age, gender or disease’s severity as measured in pulmonary function tests, researchers in Korea report. The scientists also suggest that these people may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy…
03 As my PF worsens, the list of things I’m able to do and places I’m able to go grows smaller. I’m sure as a patient and a caregiver, you know exactly what I mean. Grieving as my PF worsens I grieve for all I’m not able to…
There are many symptoms associated with pulmonary fibrosis (PF), but fatigue is often cited as one of the most difficult to deal with by those living with the disease. MORE: Nine steps for managing pulmonary fibrosis Fatigue in pulmonary fibrosis goes much further than simply being tired and often can’t…
For those of you familiar with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), or any interstitial lung disease (ILD), actually, you will likely know what a pulmonary function test is. If you are a patient with any type of ILD, chances are you have had a pulmonary function test, or many,…
