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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Stable IPF?
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
Stable IPF?
by Lori_B, Jul 10, 2004 12:00AM
My husband recently had his 6 month checkup for his IPF (UIP) and was told that he is still stable. Since his original diagnosis 2 1/2 years ago, he has had no additional fibrosis and his PFT's have improved. His lung capacity has gone from 55% to 75% and his DLCO has improved from 27% to 44%. So far he hasn't taken any medication whatsoever.
My question, is it possible for IPF to remain stable for so long without medication? I still question his diagnosis. (Suspect Sarcoid due to Hilar Adenopathy on CT Scans). His doctor set his next appointment for a year from now. I'm concerned because if it is IPF, couldn't it take a turn for the worse rather quickly? If it is actually sarcoid, it has probably burned itself out and what is done is done.
Any input would help!
Thank you,
Lori
My question, is it possible for IPF to remain stable for so long without medication? I still question his diagnosis. (Suspect Sarcoid due to Hilar Adenopathy on CT Scans). His doctor set his next appointment for a year from now. I'm concerned because if it is IPF, couldn't it take a turn for the worse rather quickly? If it is actually sarcoid, it has probably burned itself out and what is done is done.
Any input would help!
Thank you,
Lori
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Jul 13, 2004 12:00AM
, Jul 13, 2004 12:00AM
It would be most unusual to see improved pulmonary function tests (PFTs) when the problem is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), especially without any medication. The improvement suggests that the interstitial lung disease may not be IPF. That is good news.
Member Comments (2)
by Lori_B, Jul 15, 2004 12:00AM
I am happy about his stable/improved PFT's, but worry that he is receiving no treatment whatsoever. I know there isn't any known successful treatment for IPF, but sarcoid can be treated (I think). Are we right to listen to the doctor and just assume everything is okay?
