Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment Options

Pulmonary fibrosis occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. The thickened, stiff lung tissue makes it hard for your lungs to work properly. There is no standard when it comes to pulmonary fibrosis. Most individuals that have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis have had a unique experience with the disease. Some patients remain in a stable position over long periods of time, while others may experience a rapid progression of symptoms that requires constant oxygen therapy with an oxygen concentrator. Some patients may experience a stepwise deterioration, fluctuating between periods of stability and then followed by quickly progressing symptoms. Because of the nature of pulmonary fibrosis, treatment strategies are highly individualized for each patient.

Oxygen Always highlights some of the different treatments that doctors prescribe to patients suffering from pulmonary fibrosis:

Non-pharmacologic management:
- Don’t smoke
- Monitor oxygen levels
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Always get vaccinated.
- Stay active and healthy and maintain a healthy weight.
Pharmacologic management: There are several different types of medication that have been used for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, here are a few.
- Corticosteroids- Suppresses the immune system and decreases inflammation.
- Cyclophosphamide- Chemotherapy agent that can suppress inflammation.
- Azathioprine- Suppresses the immune system and is used to treat autoimmune diseases.
- Mycophenolate mofetil- Modulates the immune system.
- Supplemental Oxygen Therapy- The use of an oxygen concentrator to facilitate the movement of oxygen into the lungs and bloodstream. Oxygen therapy can either be constant and require the need of an in-home oxygen therapy system; or, a doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy that is used when suffering from fits of instability, which would require a smaller, portable oxygen therapy system.
Lung Transplantation:
- Transplantation can improve the longevity and quality of life in patients suffering from pulmonary fibrosis that have no other significant health problems. Lung transplants do not come without risk, so Oxygen Always recommends discussing all of the potential risks and benefits of lung transplantation with a medical doctor.