Lung Transplant Surgery for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
If more severe cases when lung damages are irreversible, you may need a lung transplant. In fact, people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis account for the largest group of patients who wait for this surgery in the US. There may be significant risks. However, it is the only treatment that may clearly improve life expectancy. The median survival is around 4.5 years after the procedure. With more advancements, this number has been increasing gradually. It has been shown that a single lung transplant may have a lower survival rate than a bilateral lung transplant. [9]
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Since idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic disease, you need to make certain lifestyle changes to live with it during your lifetime. A good plan can help improve the long-term outlook and reduce symptoms. Some useful tips include:
– Be aware of all supplements, vitamins, medications, or vaccines
– Keep a moderate bodyweight
– Stop smoking
– Keep the oxygen saturation in an optimal range with an oxygen monitor
– Do conditioning and breathing exercises
– Manage anxiety and stress
– Participate in support groups [10]
