As a research sociologist, my goal is to research anything and everything I need answers to. I often become so preoccupied with this search that it becomes an obsession. Many people turn to online research for answers about health issues, and I am no different. When it comes…
Researching My Illness: Learning to Let Go and Trust My Physician
The Three Lakes Foundation is joining with the Lung Foundation Australia, the Centre of Research Excellence in Pulmonary Fibrosis (CRE-PF), and an Australian philanthropist to create a global network for pulmonary fibrosis (PF) research. Together, they aim to raise disease awareness, and the resources and knowledge…
A molecule thought to be a natural antioxidant, pterostilbene (PTE) prevented signs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) from occurring in a cell model of the disorder by regulating a protein called ASIC2, a study reported. This finding suggests that PTE and other compounds targeting the ASIC2 protein may have…
For more than 40% of people with pulmonary fibrosis (PF), obtaining an accurate diagnosis takes a year or longer, according to a European survey. As noted by the international team of researchers who conducted the study, survey findings highlighted “a major need for more information and support during and…
More than 600 people participated in the 10th annual Rare Disease Week on Capitol Hill 2021, held virtually July 14–22, to advocate for the rare disease community. Hosted by the EveryLife Foundation’s Rare Disease Legislative Advocates (RDLA) program, the event brings together community members from across the U.S. to…
Controversial conversations are never easy to navigate, regardless of age or experience, especially when engaging with people you love. Since the start of the pandemic, the number of controversial conversations has increased, and the reactions to conflicting opinions have intensified. Social media disputes are often crass, cruel, and filled…
Decline in lung function is slower in people with advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who start treatment with Ofev (nintedanib) or Esbriet (pirfenidone), although their risk of death remains considerably greater than those with mild to moderate disease, a study based on patient data reported. Data from patient…
Measuring the levels of certain molecules in the blood could be useful for distinguishing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) from other types of lung disease, according to a recent study. The study, “Serum Biomarkers in Differential Diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Connective Tissue Disease-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease,”…
Blocking the activity of a metabolic enzyme called succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) promoted the death of myofibroblasts — the main drivers of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) — and helped to heal persistent lung scarring (fibrosis) in a rat model, a study reported. These benefits were associated with a rescue of the metabolic abnormalities…
As soon as my mom, Holly, was out of the hospital following her bilateral lung transplant, our family began efforts to protect her immunocompromised body. Before she even got the call about available donor lungs, the University of California, San Francisco lung transplant team had educated my family…
