None of us enjoy being in the hospital. However, for a patient with pulmonary fibrosis, it is inevitable that you will have to spend time admitted to the hospital. I find hospital stays very overwhelming. I often feel overly emotional, but do not understand why I shed so…
Never Underestimate the Power of a Smile: a Thank You to a Nurse
When people think of wonder drugs they think back to Alexander Fleming’s penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic. They may also think of aspirin, used as a painkiller and also as an anti-clotting agent for patients with a high risk of stroke or heart failure. But there are thousands of drugs that…
Signs are appearing outside restrooms in the United Kingdom to advise members of the public that not all disabilities are visible. MORE: While there is currently no known cure for IPF, there are treatments available to help ease the symptoms. According to a report from the BBC, the…
Researchers have succeeded in growing tiny tissue structures in the lab that mirror the architecture of lungs, creating a model that opens new possibilities for researchers studying pulmonary fibrosis and other lung diseases. Although the research is still in early stages — with the tissue structures more resembling a fetal,…
I have always enjoyed doing things on my own, and valued my independence while growing up. I want to continue to be as independent as possible for as long as possible. As a result, I find asking for help very difficult. This is partially due to not knowing how…
Ofev (nintedanib) is a treatment used for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It is an anti-fibrotic drug that was approved by the FDA in October 2014 to help slow down the progression of the disease. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Ofev from the manufacturers, Boehringer Ingelheim. How…
Meet Pulmonary Fibrosis News columnist, Kim Fredickson. She was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis three years ago following chemotherapy and radiation therapy for breast cancer. MORE: The travails of dealing with supplemental oxygen. Over the past year, Kim’s health has declined so much that she’s now unable to…
INOpulse has shown promise in treating patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (PH-IPF), concludes a study by Bellerophon Therapeutics, developer of the inhaled nitrous oxide device. The study, “Unraveling the Mode of Action of Pulsed Inhaled NO in Severe IPF Using Functional Respiratory Imaging.” showed that PH-IPF…
The best thing about the pulmonary fibrosis community Over the last seven months of writing this column, I’ve learned that pulmonary fibrosis patients are brave, kind and supportive to one another. This is also true of their caregivers. I love watching our community develop as we share…
If you’ve been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, it’s likely that your healthcare team has mentioned pulmonary rehabilitation. But what is it and why do you need to do it? MORE: Eight tips for protecting your lungs from unhealthy air Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program that combines education, support, and exercise. The goal of…
