Video / Webinar

Live Well, Breathe Better: Pulmonary Fibrosis: Updates on treatment and management

Live Well, Breathe Better: Pulmonary Fibrosis: Updates on treatment and management

In this webinar, Dr Greg Keir, Respiratory and Sleep Physician, provides an overview on the recent updates in treatment and management for pulmonary fibrosis (PF) including immunosuppressant medication and recent advances in anti-fibrotic medications. Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease marked by scarring (fibrosis) that makes breathing difficult. It has multiple causes, including environmental exposures (asbestos, silica), autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma), and unknown origins, which is known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF typically affects older adults, especially past smokers. Symptoms include shortness of breath, dry cough, and fatigue. Diagnosis involves CT scans, lung function tests, and sometimes biopsies. While no cure exists, treatments like nintedanib and pirfenidone can slow progression. Pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and clinical trials also support symptom management. Early diagnosis is key to improving outcomes and quality of life.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) treatment focuses on slowing lung scarring and managing symptoms. Two key anti-fibrotic medications nintedanib and pirfenidone are proven to reduce the rate of lung function decline. While both are similarly effective, they differ in side effects: nintedanib may cause diarrhea and nausea, while pirfenidone can lead to sun sensitivity and appetite loss. Side effects are often manageable with dose adjustments and food intake. Symptom relief includes pulmonary rehabilitation, tailored exercise and education programs, and oxygen therapy for low blood oxygen levels. A holistic, personalised approach improves quality of life and supports long-term lung health.

Pulmonary fibrosis treatment extends beyond medication to include oxygen therapy, cough management, and emotional support. Oxygen is prescribed when blood oxygen levels drop, not just for breathlessness, but to protect the heart and improve long-term survival. Persistent dry cough, a common symptom, may be managed with medications, reflux treatment, or cough syrups. Pulmonary rehabilitation and Peer Connect programs offer tailored exercise, education, and emotional support. These holistic approaches improve quality of life, reduce anxiety, and help patients manage breathlessness and fatigue.

Was this page helpful?

Good job! Please give your positive feedback

How could we improve this post? Please Help us.

Last updated on June 18th, 2025 at 11:59 am

Menu

Welcome to our new website!

We’re still fine-tuning things, so thanks for your patience if you spot any issues. If you’d like to share your feedback, click the ‘Feedback’ button in the bottom right corner of the page. While we can’t action every suggestion, all ideas guide our future improvements.

Search

More

Search

Filter and sort

Article type

All articles
Category Article type

Lung disease

Select one or more
Lung disease Article

Topic

Select one or more
Category Article topic

Sort by

Filter and sort

Category

Select one or more
Category product

Sort by

Filter and sort

Lung disease

Select one or more
Category lung disease LFA services

Service type and category

Service delivery method

Select one or more
Service delivery method

Post code

Your current location

Sort by

Filter and sort

I am...

Select one or more
Category who resource

Lung disease

Select one or more
Category lung disease resource

Resource type

Select one or more
Category Resource type

Resource language

Select one or more
Category lang resource

Only certain resources will be available in alternative languages

Sort by

Filter and sort

Lung disease

Select one or more
Lung Disease research

Research category

Select one or more
Category research

Year

Select one or more
Year Research

Sort by

Filter and sort

Type

Select one or more
Post Type Filter

Sort by

Filter and sort

Lung disease

Select one or more
Category news

Sort by

Filter and sort

Topic

Select one or more
Category topic training

Type

Select one or more
Category type training

Sort by

Filter and sort

I am...

Select one or more
Category who events

Lung disease

Select one or more
Category lung disease events

Type

Select one or more
Category type events

Sort by