Oxygen in Pulmonary Fibrosis

How long do people need to be on extra Oxygen if they have pulmonary fibrosis? Can you get better to not be dependent on oxygen?
If pulmonary fibrosis is the only reason for needing extra oxygen, in most situations, this may be needed long term. However, other conditions which are potentially reversible may also contribute to the person needing oxygen, and in those circumstances, a reduction in the Oxygen level needed may be possible. Oxygen therapy is routinely reassessed to determine the right level for each patient. Also, oxygen should be viewed as a form of treatment, to help prevent further complications related to low levels putting strain on other organs, such as the heart.
There are many reasons for needing supplementary oxygen, in addition to pulmonary fibrosis:
- there may be ongoing lung inflammation (when the cause of the interstitial lung disease is inflammatory, e.g. hypersensitivity pneumonitis, autoimmune conditions). This inflammation may still respond to treatment and lead to improvement in lung capacity.
- pulmonary hypertension may be present, giving an oxygen need that is out of keeping with the extent of lung fibrosis. Treatments for pulmonary hypertension may be available in some cases
- significant emphysema, which may due to many years of smoking or environmental exposures, can also contribute to the oxygen need. Stopping smoking and noxious lung exposures can prevent further worsening
- other cardiac conditions which may respond to treatment optimization (i.e. managing heart failure)
- being acutely unwell or having a chest infection - this may temporarily lead to a need for extra oxygen. Once the lungs recover, the lung capacity may improve.
#pulmonaryfibrosis #oxygen
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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.

[@vasanthakarunaharan6746]

Thankyou Stefan for your selfless service After listening to you I am more confident in managing my problem and feel optimistic as well Regards

[@Kates_Koffee]

Thank you for your enlightening video. It gives me a whole new perspective on being on 24hr oxygen because of fibrosis from covid. I know I have to accept that this is a lifetime treatment for me and the faster I accept this the easier it is to move on with life. Thank you.

[@CarolReidCA]

Ideas on HBOT for cystic fibrosis? Tsting for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency? Is there a very portable O2 unit that can be used for sports, like basketball? (I'm thinking a SCUBA bailout bottle size???) A comparison of different O2 units as to delivery, size, portability, etc. would be very helpful, especially in younger patients with post-viral syndrome. Very nice talk.

[@andrearuiz-sills3156]

Thank You for the update/information.

[@tarachandchoudhary6121]

Thanks dr for your extensive information

[@Teenagegoogoomuk]

I have IPF and without the oxygen I can experience brain fog, tiredness, fatigue, irritable and moody, not able to eat which makes things even worse. Since I have quit my job and can use the oxygen all the time it does make a huge difference and I would rather have it than not especially when I have these breathing episodes the oxygen does make this more manageable and less intense than without it. I am interested in this hypertension PF though? Even the slightest amount of movement or exercise will set off these episodes of breathlessness 24/7 still don't know what caused this back in July and now that I know what it is, I'm taking life more serious these days. OFEV is the medication along with BREZTRI every 12 hrs.

[@arynt5960]

My dad had IPF. I’m well versed with the condition. I know how the disease is. I know as a non medical person, I can’t really be of your help much. But if you want to talk about your experience, my dad’s experience, do know, you’ve got a friend waiting here.

[@Teenagegoogoomuk]

@@arynt5960 Thank you for replying. I will be 60 come this January. I have lived my life and enjoyed every minute of it and always figured I would die from some type of cancer or heart attack etc. Never even thought of particulates and hardening of the lungs. I'm not afraid of dying, never have just, wasn't expecting this as a way of dying. My biggest question and the one that is different for everybody is how much suffering is expected and or pain. I believe that society and doctors won't discuss this topic of fear of the individual committing suicide and being sued. I have accepted that I'm dying and blame no one but myself after all it was my decision to do the things I have done in the past throughout my career ( commercial electrician 40 yrs.) I'm just curious as to how people have past with this disease ( end of life). I sure hope your father didn't suffer it's bad enough that I can't work, walk, swim, sex, anything that involves strenuous activity I'm sure you know this all to well. Once again thank you for reaching out unfortunately this is not curable and can only be prolonged as you know this as well. By the way my name is Monty Robertson.

[@Teenagegoogoomuk]

@@Jess-wk5jo In my case it's both lungs. I have been a commercial electrician for 40 years and had quit smoking after 30 yrs but went to vaping for 6. Particulates and I also believe that this runs in my family as well but construction life didn't help. I tested negative for asbestos and cancer so IPF has gotten me. It's a scarring of the lung and progresses or grows and I believe the OFEV slows this down but will not cure it. Life is usually 3-10 years depending on the person, situation, etc. I expect to live about 5-7 years and I turn 60 next month. As for end of life process I cant find much info on that. Some die in their sleep some on respirators and I'm sure some suffer pretty bad. As for me I dont have any pain just can't catch or hold my breath doing anything since diagnosed in July 2023. Sure hope this helps and if any other questions you might have or I can answer just ask.

[@subhasbhikha2590]

😢🎉​@@arynt5960..😂

[@elfredasaldana6170]

My friend had an xray n the result according to her is Fibrosis at the upper lobe. Says her heart is also enlarged. Asking if she'll consult a doctor since No cure for this lung scarring. ??