Combining genetic analysis and machine learning can improve the identification value of biopsies used to detect pneumonia that progressively scars lungs — a classic marker of pulmonary fibrosis — without doctors having to resort to surgery, according to a study. The findings apply to the transbronchial biopsies, or TBBs, that doctors…
Keeping yourself healthy can feel impossible sometimes, especially if you have pulmonary fibrosis (PF). However, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation suggests a few lifestyle changes that can improve your quality of life. 1. Exercise You may feel tempted to exercise as little as possible to avoid feeling short of breath or…
Clinical trials of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) therapies should include measures that reflect patients’ views of the success of treatments, Columbia University Medical Center researchers contend. In particular, the trials should add reduction in respiratory-related hospitalizations to their measurement tool kit, the team said. Patients’ views of treatment success could influence…
The European Commission (EC) recently approved a new formulation of Esbriet (pirfenidone) tablets for the treatment of mild to moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). According to Roche, Esbriet’s developer, the new tablet formulation will reduce the number of pills patients need to take throughout the day, offering patients an easier…
We tend to take our lungs for granted, that is until we develop breathing difficulties. But even when living with a chronic lung disease, it is even more important to look after these vital organs as best we can. The Rush University Medical Center has some…
Life can be extremely difficult when you’re coping with a chronic lung disease like pulmonary fibrosis (PF). As well as dealing with the physical effects of the disease, you also have to cope with the emotional fallout that comes with living with PF. MORE: The realities of a pulmonary fibrosis…
A Chinese herbal remedy prevented healthy airway surface cells from transitioning to the type of cells seen in pulmonary fibrosis, a study reported. It did this by inhibiting the body’s production of proteins involved in fibrosis, or scarring, including HMGB1, TLR-4, and HIF-1α. The results prompted researchers to suggest that the remedy,…
How do you get liquid oxygen? Last week I shared my struggle to get my oxygen provider to bring me liquid oxygen. It took me five months, but I was finally successful. In case you missed it, last week’s column also included a video demonstrating how I…
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation has teamed up with ProPatient to launch an online resource for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and their caregivers. The program called Partnering with Your Doctor provides educational information for anyone living with the disease or wanting to find out more about IPF.
Trust me when I say that this column does not come without a lot of behind–the–scenes work to try to change my thinking so I can offer a more positive message. I still can’t say I practice what I preach. But I do want to share an…
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