Fact Versus Fiction Webinar Q&A: 5 Questions Answered
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent webinar, Fact versus Fiction, on Wednesday, June 25. During the live Q&A, we received so many thoughtful questions that we weren't able to answer all of them before time ran out. To keep the conversation going, we've answered five of the most common questions we received and hope these additional insights help you better navigate life with interstitial lung disease (ILD).
- Is lung biopsy still the best method for achieving an accurate diagnosis?
Although lung biopsies can be extremely useful in determining an accurate diagnosis, they are not always essential. Often, we can make a diagnosis based on Multidisciplinary Discussion alone between pulmonologists, radiologists, and rheumatologists. During these discussions, we review the CT scans, laboratory data, pulmonary function tests, and relevant clinical history to get a consensus diagnosis. If, after this discussion, we are still left with a diagnosis of "unclassifiable interstitial lung disease," we may recommend a lung biopsy for additional diagnostic information.
2. Do all ILD diagnoses result in lung fibrosis?
No. Many interstitial lung diseases can also be on the inflammatory spectrum. This means that treatment with anti-inflammatory or immune suppressing agents may actually improve your lungs. Some classic examples of this are drug-induced pneumonitis, sarcoidosis, or organizing pneumonia. As many of you know, lung fibrosis or scarring is irreversible and would not improve with these therapies.
3. Is a diagnosis of ILD the same as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)?
No. Interstitial lung disease is a large umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of more specific diseases. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is just a subset under this larger umbrella.
4. What are considered normal, high, and low oxygen levels?
When using your pulse oximeter at home, it is important to make sure your oxygen levels stay above 88% at all times; below this level is considered too low and above this level is considered normal. It is not necessary to keep your oxygen levels between 95-100% if you use supplemental oxygen.
5. Can candles or other scented items in the home trigger ILD symptoms?
Unless you have sensitivity to certain smells or have asthma with a clear associated trigger, it is completely ok to use scented items in the home such as wick candles. I would caution individuals against using vaporized oils - if you inhale this regularly, it may increase your risk of something called lipoid pneumonia.
Have a question that wasn't answered here? Explore the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation's educational resources, browse our past webinars, or contact the PFF Help Center at 844-825-5733 for additional support and information. We're here to help you stay informed every step of the way.
About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
At the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a form of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Pulmonary fibrosis is a process that causes lung scarring, in which fibrotic tissue blocks the movement of oxygen from inside the tiny air sacs in the lungs into the bloodstream. Low oxygen levels, and the stiff scar tissue itself, can cause people with pulmonary fibrosis to feel short of breath, particularly when walking and exercising. Over 250,000 Americans are living with PF today. Approximately 50,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and as many as 40,000 Americans die from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) each year.
As the largest organization committed to raising awareness and providing support, our mission is to accelerate the development of new treatments and ultimately a cure for pulmonary fibrosis. Until this goal is achieved, the PFF is committed to advancing improved care of patients with PF and providing unequaled support and education resources for patients, caregivers, family members, and healthcare providers.