Diagnostic Methods And Treatments For Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a combined education and exercise program focused on patients with lung disease. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis will learn how to breathe more efficiently so they can reduce the fatigue and shortness of breath that occurs with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This rehabilitation also helps patients adjust how they do their activities of daily living so they can conserve oxygen and experience less breathlessness. This rehabilitation is comprehensive and often includes a variety of the following: exercise training that targets the lungs, learning more about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and different management techniques, breathing strategies, nutritional counseling, energy-conserving techniques, and psychological counseling. A team of specialists is typically involved in this process. The methods used are usually adjusted based on the progression of the patient's disease.

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Medications

While no medications can cure or slow the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, there are medicines that may help improve a patient's quality of life. Prednisone is a steroid that reduces inflammation in the lungs. It may be administered orally, via injection, or into a vein. Due to the potential for serious side effects, this medicine is usually only given short-term during periods of significant symptoms. When taking prednisone, doctors often recommend vitamin D and calcium supplements since this medication can cause bone loss. Azathioprine, an oral daily medication, suppresses the patient's immune system and is usually only given for up to six months at a time due to the potential for serious side effects. N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant patients take orally several times a day, may help prevent lung damage. It is usually combined with azathioprine and prednisone.

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