Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic lung condition where the tissue in the lungs becomes scarred over time and breathing becomes difficult. Currently, there is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis but there are treatment options that can help reduce symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. MORE: Six pulmonary fibrosis risks factors and…
Many people with chronic diseases have what is called an “invisible illness,” meaning that although they are very sick, they don’t have visible signs of illness so many people assume that they’re not really sick at all. Six remarkable things to know about people living with a chronic illness. This is a…
Over the last two-plus years I have become an unwilling expert on the ins and outs of supplemental oxygen. When I started using supplemental oxygen I knew next to nothing and found it very hard to get the help and information I needed. I’ve learned a lot and…
Many people who suffer from chronic illnesses also suffer from depression. Depression isn’t something that should be overlooked; it should be brought to your doctor’s attention so that it can be treated. But how do you spot depression? With help from prevention.com, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common physical signs…
Obligations and what you “should” do as a patient living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be all-consuming. I have learned a lot about myself this week after talking to friends and colleagues. One of the things I must let go of throughout this journey is this idea…
Using Esbriet (pirfenidone) or Ofev (nintedanib) for a year reduces lung function decline in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients, according to a review of nine clinical trials. Esbriet may also improve patients’ survival. But N-acetylcysteine failed to improve lung function or decrease mortality, the comparative study indicated. The article, “…
When 78-year-old Bill Vicks was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2011, doctors gave him three years to live according to an article in capecodtimes.com. The super-fit septuagenarian did what he does best—dons his sneakers and goes out for a run. MORE: How to live for the moment with…
By discovering how the antifibrotic treatments Ofev (nintedanib) and Esbriet (pirfenidone) work, researchers hope to develop even better drugs to treat pulmonary fibrosis. The new insights into these drugs work was gained by making use of a new cell model of lab-grown cells derived from patients. The study,…
When Maureen McDonald’s father passed away from pulmonary fibrosis, she wanted to do something to celebrate his life and raise awareness of the chronic lung disease. She decided to join the annual American Lung Association Greater Chicago Chapter’s “Fight for Air Climb.” MORE: Animated film explains symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis.
I had an experience last night in the emergency room that has left me thinking a lot. So I decided to turn my thoughts into a column — and I am curious to hear how those of you also living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) feel about patient…
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