Raising a concern about some claims about treatments that may reverse pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring). Putting this out there just to encourage people to use their common sense and best judgement when choosing health interventions for pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung diseases.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2JRqG2oMt0w

Generally if someone claims that treatment 'X' is the 'best' for pulmonary fibrosis, this could be due to not understanding the topic well enough, not seeing the nuances between different patients or sometimes just trying to sell something... Just be careful and do plenty of research and seek opinions from trained professionals as well before embarking on experimental therapies. #pulmonaryfibrosis #ild

An overview of why a chest CT scan is required in most cases of interstitial lung disease / pulmonary fibrosis. The CT scan is a radiological investigation which offers a 3D picture of the lung tissue, to see where the pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring) is located, the pattern of fibrosis, and other important lung features which may help your doctor to determine the right treatment, further investigations and tests required, as well as the risk of the fibrosis getting worse over time (progression).

You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8aesObW1RFA The simple chest X ray can also pick up pulmonary fibrosis, however this is a 2D image, may miss early disease and cannot describe the pattern of the scarring. The CT scan used to investigate pulmonary fibrosis is called a High Resolution CT scan (HRCT). It is done without i.v. contrast, as the contrast can make some interstitial lung disease changes appear worse than they are. ALWAYS! check with your doctor before having a CT scan, as they are the best person to advise if this investigation is necessary in your case, and they can interpret the findings together with other conditions and symptoms you may have. #pulmonaryfibrosis #ild

Sarcoidosis can lead to severe lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis). It can also sometimes be associated with pulmonary hypertension. These can significantly impact lung function and cause a drop in oxygen levels, particularly during exertion.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qi4D-vLiZJ4

Oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) can be monitored using an oximeter, and values below 90% warrant a check of blood oxygen levels. This can be done through blood gas analysis from the earlobe or an arterial blood sample. If oxygen levels are indeed low, supplemental oxygen therapy may be prescribed to improve oxygen levels, reduce the risk of complications, and potentially enhance exercise tolerance. However, it's worth noting that oxygen therapy may not alleviate all symptoms of breathlessness. Regular follow-ups and additional tests, including imaging and lung function assessments, are crucial to monitor the progression of the disease and manage any potential complications, such as cardiac involvement. Patients experiencing palpitations at rest, or randomly occurring, should inform their doctors, who may recommend further tests like a Holter ECG or cardiac PET to assess heart function and rule out cardiac sarcoidosis. Pulmonary rehabilitation and optimization of other treatments, such as those for other heart and lung conditions, may be beneficial. #sarcoidosis #oxygen #pulmonaryfibrosis