Suggest treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Patient: Dear Doctor, my mother is suffering from IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS it was diagnosed a few months back through CT Scan, also a blood test of Enzyme Immuno Assay where its value has been at 92.0 level.Kindly advice best treatment and medicine. As doctors have told us that its incurable. Its further growth can be manged somehow. Please HELP Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Honestly speaking, there is no cure for IPF (idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis). It is chronic progressive fibrosis of the lung. Following things should be done to achieve optimal treatment and reduce the rate of worsening of lung functions. 1. Home oxygen therapy. Low dose oxygen should be given continuously for atleast 16-18 hours a day. This is the best treatment. 2. Start perfinodone. It is the only available and US FDA approved anti fibrotic agent. It reduces rate of fibrosis. 3. N acetyl cysteine is having excellent antioxidant, mucolytic and expectorant properties. And hence it is beneficial in IPF. 4. Enroll her in Pulmonary Rehabilitation center where chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercises are done. These will surely improve her lung functions. 5. Vaccination with pneumococcal and Influenza vaccines is advisable to prevent recurrent respiratory tract infection. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.