New insights into the treatment and management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

A new article in the European Respiratory Journal has summarized promising new approaches to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and new ways to manage this disease.

IPF is a chronic (long-term) disease that leads to scarring in the lungs, also known as fibrosis. This scarring makes it harder or even impossible for people with IPF to breathe normally.

At the moment there are two drugs that can slow down the rate of scarring, but there is no cure. This article discusses new treatment options that are currently being developed. The authors also talk about other ways to improve quality of life for patients.

According to this article there are sixteen new treatments for IPF in the early stages of research, but it will still take years until the most effective of these are approved.

An early, accurate diagnosis could also help to reduce lung scarring and improve quality of life and survival for people with IPF. The authors also believe that pulmonary rehabilitation (exercise to improve lung health), end-of-life care, and helping people to better manage their symptoms are crucial to help people cope with this devastating disease.

Read the article abstract.

Read the ELF factsheet on IPF.