“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…
My Emotional Trigger When Asked ‘How Are You Doing?’
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,…
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) has announced its keynote speakers for the upcoming PFF Summit 2017, a biennial meeting set for Nov. 9-11 in Nashville, Tennessee. During the event, physicians and researchers will present their most current work on pulmonary fibrosis (PF), stem cell therapies, medical tourism and advances in…
A Phase 2/3 clinical trial of PBI-4050, a potential new therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to Prometic Life Sciences. The FDA has granted the drug candidate investigational new drug (IND) status, which facilitates clinical research. The Phase 2/3…
Before my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) nearly 18 months ago, I would have never considered myself to be an anxious person. The older I get and the more people I meet, including those who are sick and those who aren’t, I’m realizing how common it…
