New York scientists have created a mini-lung in a laboratory that mimics a real lung’s response to a viral infection in pulmonary fibrosis. The mini-lung, which scientists call an organoid, will increase understanding of lung diseases, leading to better treatments, the researchers said. Dr. Hans-Willem Snoeck, a professor at Columbia University…
Part of facing that I have a terminal illness involves putting my financial affairs in order. I don’t want to leave my husband and adult children with the burden of having to sort out financial problems when I pass away. They will have too much to deal…
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease where the tissue in the lungs becomes scarred and thickens over time. This thickening (or fibrosis) leads to stiffness in the lungs which makes it difficult for oxygen to pass through the air sacs (alveoli) and into the blood stream. There are…
Please note this disclaimer before reading this column: I am writing in a bit of disarray, frustration and sadness. I have chosen to write a column while feeling this way, because I think it has the potential to create a column you can relate to: one that…
Service dogs are typically thought of as necessary companions for the visually impaired, but service and therapy dogs can be a practical solution for people with a variety of chronic illnesses including lung diseases. As well as being a trusted friend, service dogs can expand owners’ motor abilities, granting them new independence…
Researchers have identified 39 genes as critical to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), based on a computational analysis of large genomic studies. Their study, “Detecting the Molecular System Signatures of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis through Integrated Genomic Analysis,” appeared in the journal Scientific Reports. IPF patients do not respond to anti-inflammatory therapies such…
If you’re active on the Internet, particularly in groups and forums regarding chronic illness, you’ve definitely noticed the term “spoonie” being thrown around. MORE: While there is currently no known cure for IPF, there are treatments available to help ease the symptoms. Spoonie is a…
Veracyte will present new information supporting the use of its genomic tests to diagnose idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and lung cancer at the American Thoracic Society 2017 International Conference in Washington, May 19-24. The Envisia and Percepta Bronchial Genomic Classifiers were designed to reduce the need for diagnostic surgery and to…
It only takes a moment for someone to Google pulmonary fibrosis (PF) to discover a list of unpleasant symptoms that accompany this disease. Some of the most common symptoms include shortness of breath with exertion, dry cough and fatigue. As you may imagine, there are many other…
Esbriet (pirfenidone) is an anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory drug used in the treatment of mild to moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Manufactured by Genentech and given FDA approval in 2014, the drug reduces the amount of lung fibrosis by blocking secretions responsible for excessive collagen production. It also reduces inflammation in the lungs.
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