There are a number of treatments available for pulmonary fibrosis. These include medications, oxygen therapy, non-medical treatments, and, in some cases, lung transplantation.
Medications for Pulmonary Fibrosis
Drug therapy for pulmonary fibrosis will vary by patient. The main options include , pirfenidone, corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid, and azathioprine.
() is an anti-fibrotic drug that can be used to treat IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). can slow the decline of lung function in mild-to-moderate IPF.
Pirfenidone (Esbriet, Pirfenex, Pirespa) is also an anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory drug that can be used to treat IPF. Pirfenidone was shown to slow the progression of mild-to-moderate IPF.
Corticosteroids () weakens the immune system, which helps to treat and prevent inflammation. is usually used in patients with pulmonary fibrosis other than IPF. This drug may increase the risk of infection.
Mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid (CellCept) works in a similar way to , weakening the immune system. It can be used alone or in combination with . It is used in patients with other forms of pulmonary fibrosis outside of IPF.
Azathioprine (Imuran) also suppresses the immune system. Side effects include infections, liver and pancreatic problems, and low blood cell counts.
Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy is when a patient needs to take in extra oxygen through an oxygen tank. Doctors will prescribe oxygen therapy to patients whose oxygen levels go below 88%. Oxygen therapy is used to help prevent the patient’s oxygen levels from dropping even lower.
Non-Medical Treatments for Pulmonary Fibrosis
One option is pulmonary rehabilitation, which includes things like exercise training; anxiety, stress, and depression management; breathing exercises; nutritional counseling; and education on your condition. The main goal is to allow patients to perform daily activities without becoming breathless and to allow patients to exercise safely.
Another option is symptom management such as managing breathlessness and coughing.
Lung Transplantation
Lung transplantation would mean replacing a patient’s lung(s) with healthy lungs from a donor.
There are many things to consider for lung transplantation. Patients will be evaluated to decide if they are a proper candidate for a lung transplantation.
Speak to your doctor to find out which treatment option is best for you.
Featured image: Alexander_Safonov via DepositPhotos
Posted on March 24, 2023