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Suggest Treatment For Emphysema
Hello, My father was diagnosed with emphysema and IPF in 2009, at age 64. He takes no oxygen and no medication for it. In 2012 he suffered a stroke from which he has now recovered. I have 3 questions. Are the new approved FDA medications Pirfenidone and Nintedanib an option for people at an advanced stage of fibroses? Also, I would like to now why a doctor would never suggest a lung transplant as an option for my dad. Finally, can I be a living donor of a part of my lung to my dad? I m a healthy, active non-smoking/non-drinking 33 year old. Thank you very much, Anjeza
Mon, 20 Apr 2015
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Honestly speaking IPF (idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis) is end stage, progressive disease without any curative treatment available.
When IPF is associated with emphysema, prognosis is even worse.
Yes, you are right about newer drugs for IPF like perfinodone.
It is anti fibrotic in nature.
But effective only in early stages of IPF, not in the end stage where extensive fibrosis has been developed.
Better to start long term oxygen therapy with home oxygen.
And yes, lung transplant is an option. Buy due to donor shortage and poor outcome it is not advised in all cases.
And you can not be lung donor.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Honestly speaking IPF (idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis) is end stage, progressive disease without any curative treatment available.
When IPF is associated with emphysema, prognosis is even worse.
Yes, you are right about newer drugs for IPF like perfinodone.
It is anti fibrotic in nature.
But effective only in early stages of IPF, not in the end stage where extensive fibrosis has been developed.
Better to start long term oxygen therapy with home oxygen.
And yes, lung transplant is an option. Buy due to donor shortage and poor outcome it is not advised in all cases.
And you can not be lung donor.
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