What more can you do to treat pulmonary fibrosis (if already on medication)?

What more can you do if you have pulmonary fibrosis or an interstitial lung disease? In this video I make some suggestions that cover lifestyle changes, healthy living, mental health, symptomatic treatments, research etc.

The suggestions start at 03:44 (after my intro and context).

I discuss the following topics:
1. Stopping smoking
2. Avoiding indoor pollution (inside your home)
3. Good quality sleep and how to improve sleep
4. Reducing acid reflux
5. Increasing exercise while giving the body time to recover
6. Overcoming personal challenges can be a good thing
7. Relationships and support
8. Community involvement, sharing your knowledge and getting involved in meaningful projects
9. Getting involved in research
10. Oxygen treatment if required

I also share some suggestions as they relate to my personal life.

#pulmonaryfibrosis

Please leave a comment below if you want me to cover other topics in ILD.

🎵 Podcast links:

The opinions presented on this channel are my own and do not constitute medical advice in specific cases. If you are watching/listening to this content as a patient, you must seek personalized advice from your own healthcare team (who can provide you with a consultation and appropriate treatment and advice. This information presented here may not apply in your case. If you are a health professional, please use your professional judgement when treating patients.

[lorettahaun]

What a wonderful Dr you are!! I’ve been living with pulmonary fibrosis since I was 29 and I just turned 58! I owe everything to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the wonderful drs and medical staff. I love your videos so much. This one has been my favorite!

[angieormes]

I am a 68 y.o. Just dx. With IPF and I want to thank you for this video and your other videos! You have made me want to live my best life, I felt like giving up when I was first dx. I am a runner, running 2 miles a day. I am also an artist and I want to continue painting and running as long as possible. Thank you for changing my thoughts to a positive!❤

[junemarguet]

Thank you, I’m 73 and have just learned this is my life/ death now. Just need to accept what is. Thank you for your info and time you have spent with your videos. I’m sad, can’t believe this is my life now. Thank you.

[fredpulcinosyoutable]

I was diagnosed on Monday, 3 days ago. Thank you for all your support, time and efforts you put into this video. Positivity in my mind, I believe is a huge Catalyst to survival. This young man of 63 years thanks you again for sharing all your thoughts and experience. Keeping the Faith!

[deborahtalbott]

You are a beautiful person. Carry-on. Sometimes who you are brings more health than what you say. Thank you.

[lynettelewis]

I have recently been diagnosed with Interstitial lung disease and since I didn't know what it was I was calm about it, but when the reality of the seriousness of the disease step in I started to feel despair.
Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to make these videos they are very informative and educational and has brought alot of comfort to me.

[annalucinda]

My facebook is filled choc-a-bloc with your videos - so inspiring and informative. You have got a servant's heart - kind and gentle.

[marjodorsonnens]

I was diagnosed 1 year ago. At 77 I have started to do puzzles. So nothing is impossible. Thank you for this video very helpful.

[wazirafrasiab]

Dr Stefan, thank you for the video. Sorry for the long comment.
I am from north of Pakistan and my father (76 years) was diagnosed with pulmory fibrosis last year in March. He has been on medication since then. Unfortunately, we still couldn't figure out the leading cause of this disease, but still, he is doing really good. Our city's elevation is 2300m above sea level, which makes this disease a little more complicated. He has to use an O2 concentrator in my town (Skardu), but he does not have to use any concentrator in Islamabad. He usually walks and does exercise every morning and sometimes in the late afternoon as well. He had been using essential cough syrups since the beginning, but the cough was not going away, so he decreased the usage, improving his cough. He mainly does his own household work, which makes him happier and more robust.

[rosemarygrogan]

I was diagnosed yesterday with Pulmonary Fibrosis yesterday and I think you for telling me about it and I do not smoke ❤

[Gopalk-hl]

Thank you so much for this video. I am IPF patient since 2018. Beside prescribed medicines, exercises, breathing exercises, pranayam and balloon Blowing helps a lot. My overall health is stable.

[RyBee]

I have seen many doctors and have had many interactions with people in the medical industry. You are very intelligent and give very good information. I can tell you are calculated and you care. Keep these videos coming! 👍

[blairyaganiski]

I am 46 years old and was just diagnosed with IPF. My mother had it, as well as other health issues, and passeed away at the age of 41. I got 5 years up on her... This has been quite the shock to my system, needless to say. I have alwaays haddd issues with mental health and this has just blasted me. i am seeing a therapist about that, but where I am living makes it difficult to get any help as to what and where I need to go, where to turn to get treatment for my IPF. Your videos have been very helpful in what I can ask the doctors and where I can turn. Thank you, God bless.

[kellyknight]

Thank you so much for this video, I have 9 grandchildren half of them do sports, I try to make it to one sports event per week, that has truly helped lift my spirits. Pulmonary fibrosis was never a part of my plan, I have to find new normals, which can be challenging my mind says I don't have limitations however my body says otherwise. I'm super thankful for still being on this planet and for this channel.

[lesleyclarke-fuzv]

Brilliant advice! One tip l've tried, when l go swimming, l asked permission to take my oxygen tank and leave it at the side of the pool for when l get breathless. It really helps and stops me panicking.

[christiemarrone]

So much I didnt know, Thank you for not letting me feel alone

[lornatough]

What an uplifting video, you present such a positive awareness of this disease which has helped to ease my fears for my future. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[therealbigbosscalvin]

I was diagnosed this 3 days a go. Learning so much on the healing journey

[JazzySerendipity]

I have appts. with my Pulmonologist and a vascular surgeon today. Friday I was at the ER - purple lips, x-ray showed hypoventilation. ECG- tachy bradychardia-44-154 heart rate, I was diagnosed with PF 2 years ago. I am 55. I thank you ever so much for this information. I like your presentation, authenticity, and obvious compassion and knowledge. I look forward to watching ALL of these. Absolutely the lift I needed prior to my appointments.

[cskiles]

Thanks for great info. My husband ended up stage on hospice. Bending over closes of a lot of air. Marshmallows and honey good for the cough. Dr told us that. I was like 😳 then I looked it up. It’s helps. Cool air is best fans help when your breathless. Great tips thank you 👍