Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease for which there is no known cause or underlying disease.
“Idiopathic” means that doctors cannot accurately identify the cause or underlying mechanism of the disease. IPF results in the development of scarring (fibrosis) in the lung tissue, leading to loss of lung elasticity, difficulty breathing and restriction of oxygen inflow.
The symptoms and progression of IPF can vary, but usually include:
Difficulty breathing: Patients may find it difficult to breathe, and breathing difficulties may increase over time.
Dry cough: Often there is a persistent, dry cough that does not respond well to medicines.
Fatigue: patients may feel tired and exhausted as oxygen uptake and breathing become difficult.
Chest pain: some patients may also experience chest pain.
IPF worsens in the long term and treatments can currently only relieve symptoms, not cure the disease. Life expectancy depends on the severity of the disease and individual responses, but IPF is generally a progressive and severe disease.
The progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is usually slow but continuous over time.
Below is some important information about the progression of the disease and treatment options:
Progression:
Worsening of symptoms: people with IPF usually notice that their breathing difficulties and other symptoms get worse over time. As the disease progresses, scarring and damage to lung tissue worsens, which can impair breathing ability.
Cough and fatigue: Dry cough and fatigue may also worsen as IPF progresses.
Life expectancy: Unfortunately, IPF is incurable and life expectancy depends on the severity of the disease and the effectiveness of treatments. The average life expectancy from diagnosis is usually a few years, but many factors can influence this.
Treatment:
Medications: there are currently medications that can help relieve the symptoms of IPF and slow the progression. Anti-fibrotic drugs, such as pirfenidone and nintedanib, reduce the scarring of lung tissue and some can delay the progression of the disease.
Oxygen therapy: the use of oxygen therapy can help improve oxygenation and breathing, especially in more severe cases of IPF.
Pulmonary rehabilitation: people with IPF may be offered pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, which combine respiratory therapy and exercise to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Lung transplantation: In some cases, where IPF has already caused severe organ damage, a lung transplant may be the only option to ensure survival and alleviate symptoms.
It is important to note that the treatment of IPF is personalised and doctors will decide on the most appropriate treatment plan depending on the stage of the disease and the individual condition of the patient. Early detection of the disease and regular maintenance of medical care are key to improved quality of life and life expectancy. People are advised to consult a specialist to discuss specific treatment options and management of their disease.
The use of ointments and creams can help with pulmonary fibrosis as follows:
Relieving breathlessness: some balms or creams may contain essential oils, such as eucalyptus or peppermint oil, which can help relieve breathlessness and improve breathing. These essential oils can be refreshing and can help relieve breathing difficulties in the lungs.
Cough relief: some balms and creams may contain cough-relieving ingredients, such as chamomile oil or menthol, which can help reduce coughing spasms and relieve coughing.
Breathing relief: balms that have a warming effect on the skin can help relax and relieve the chest tightness that often accompanies pulmonary fibrosis.
The natural herbal extracts and essential oils in PulmoFresh balm can help ease breathing, soothe coughs and relieve the unpleasant symptoms of colds.
The use of PulmoFresh herbal balm is recommended for colds, coughs and cold complaints!
Instructions for use
For massage, for rubbing in
Use 3-5 times a day, using a finger amount is recommended. The balm should be applied to the chest and back area, then thoroughly massaged and rubbed in. It is more effective before going to bed, as the essential oils released by the balm, when inhaled, promote a restful sleep
For inhalation
Add 1 teaspoon of PulmoFresh balm to half a litre of hot water and mix well. This will create a vapour which should be inhaled for about 20 minutes.
