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Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Alternative Names: Idiopathic diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis; IPF; Pulmonary fibrosis; Cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis; CFA; Fibrosing alveolitis; Usual interstitial pneumonitis; UIP Treatment: No known cure exists for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Medications such as corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs may be given to suppress inflammation, but these treatments are usually unsuccessful. Oxygen is given to patients who have low blood oxygen levels. Text Continues Below Recently, interferon-gamma-1B has shown some promise in treating this disease, but more research is necessary to demonstrate that this drug is beneficial. Lung transplantation may be indicated for some patients with advanced pulmonary fibrosis. Support Groups: The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See lung disease - support group. Expectations (prognosis): Some patients may improve on treatment with corticosteroids or cytotoxic drugs, but most patients suffer from progressive disease despite treatment. Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressures in the vessels of the lungs) and respiratory failure is the eventual outcome. Average survival time is 5-6 years, but this varies greatly between patients. Complications: Respiratory failure Chronic hypoxemia (low blood oxygen level) Pulmonary hypertension Cor pulmonale (failure of the right side of the heart) Polycythemia (abnormally high levels of red blood cells) Calling your health care provider: Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>