April 7 has arrived just like any other day (as I expected it would), but it holds so much more significance and meaning for me now. After 13 months of testing and various appointments, it was confirmed that I had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) on April 7, 2016, which…
Reflecting on My One Year Post-Diagnosis
Vitamin D is one of the most essential vitamins for our health, and is also one of the most common vitamins people are deficient in. Anyone with a chronic disease should have their vitamin D levels checked by their doctor and take supplements if they are found to be deficient.
A new imaging strategy shows promising results in improving the diagnosis and treatment of people with pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The study, “Type I collagen-targeted PET probe for pulmonary fibrosis detection and staging in preclinical models,” appeared in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have developed…
According to a CTV News report, an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patient from Montreal has been given a new lease of life. Linda Paradis began experiencing shortness of breath while walking back in 2014, but due to the difficulty in diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis, she had to undergo a year of testing before…
Esbriet (pirfenidone) can prolong idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients’ survival, according to a review of clinical trials covering the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agent. Researchers also said that Esbriet is safe, but does not help every IPF patient. The study, “Role of pirfenidone in the management of pulmonary fibrosis,”…
Breathing exercises are important for pulmonary fibrosis patients as they help to better control breathing if they experience a sudden shortness of breath, strengthen their diaphragm and clear excess mucus. Here are four breathing exercises that may benefit people with pulmonary fibrosis, using information from the Lung Institute…
The France Foundation will be working together with the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation to expand its educational resources on major interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). According to a press release provided by the France Foundation to Pulmonary Fibrosis News, the collaboration will provide education…
Most of us have probably been reminded to take our vitamins, or pushed to eat something because it’s “full of vitamins”—and it’s true, getting vitamins is incredibly important. Especially during the winter when some people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, which can be impacted by low levels of vitamin D. But…
Last week, I shared my thoughts about different oxygen options to use at home. This week, I’d like to pass on what I’ve learned about different types of portable oxygen possibilities to use away from home. The suggestions I’m sharing are based on my own experience, and I…
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disease where the tissue in the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs becomes scarred, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. One of the most common symptoms presented by pulmonary fibrosis (PF) patients is shortness of breath. Five questions you should ask your doctor…
