Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a respiratory disease where lung tissue becomes hardened, which eventually turns into scar tissue (a.k.a. fibrosis). Unfortunately, there aren’t any existing strategies to prevent PF, but there are a number of factors that affect your PF risk. Smoking: Like with many respiratory diseases, smoking plays a key role in…
In my experience, online virtual support groups are growing — allowing conversations among people living with various sensitivities or intolerances, to those diagnosed with cancer, lung diseases, etc. It’s really interesting to think of how peer support has changed in the past decade with internet use. Personally, I scroll through…
Esbriet (pirfenidone) and Ofev (nintedanib) remain the most reliably effective treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), according to a study that used a time-course model to compare the effectiveness of various approved and experimental drugs. But a compound now in development might challenge their position. The analysis found that…
Ten-year-old Abigayle Clarke from Alberta, Canada has received an award for her work raising awareness for the chronic lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis (PF). MORE:Â Nine steps for managing pulmonary fibrosis. According to an article on airdriecityview.ca, the youngster wanted to do something to help her…
A specific subpopulation of immune cells — known as monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages — was found to play an essential role in the development of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). This finding not only contributes new knowledge about the underlying mechanism of PF, but also paves the…
I have grown accustomed to using supplemental oxygen and often overlook people who stare at me, wondering about the young adult who seemingly cannot breathe. While I don’t seem to notice when people stare, it was apparent to friends with me last week. Multiple people asked me,…
When it comes to understanding pulmonary fibrosis, asking your healthcare providers any questions you may have should always be your first option. Unlike an unknown source on the Internet or that friend of a friend who suffers from the same condition, your healthcare providers are trained and studied for years to be able to answer your questions, especially…
Researchers from two Southern U.S. universities and a federal healthcare agency have begun a study of pulmonary fibrosis in people with the rare disease Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS). The objective of the observational clinical trial is to learn why those with HPS develop lung fibrosis, or tissue scarring. The team from …
Pulmonary fibrosis patients have lots of unique medical needs, especially concerning obtaining medication and supplemental oxygen. A few weeks ago, I wrote two columns about my fight to get liquid oxygen as well as tips to help readers obtain…
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an umbrella term given to a range of chronic lung diseases which all involve the interstitium. According to WebMD, the interstitium is part of the lungs’ anatomy. It’s a lace-like tissue spread throughout the lungs that supports the air sacs (alveoli) and allows…
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