Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Management and Treatment

An interview with Dr. Gerald Cox

Dr. Gerald Cox, a professor of medicine in the Division of Respirology at McMaster University, conducts research into the basic mechanisms that control inflammation during respiratory diseases, and is head of acute clinical services at the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

I’ve been diagnosed with IPF. Now what happens?

• Understanding how IPF is affecting you with breathing and oxygen tests
• Assess how much your lungs are affected with CT scan

Can IPF be cured? What are the treatments?

• Slow down progression of disease
• Pirfenidone (Esbriet)
• N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Other Topics

• Can I get a lung transplant?
• What can I do to help my disease? Stay active and exercise as much as possible.
• Can I still smoke? Smoking can make IPF worse.

What other resources can I use for more information?

• Canadian Lung Association
• American Lung Association
• Pulminary Fibrosis Foundation
• Large universities that specialize in IPF

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