Journal
EXPERT REVIEW OF RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
Volume 10, Issue 12, Pages 1295-1303Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2016.1251843
Keywords
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; dyspnea; breathlessness; symptom management; interstitial lung disease
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the most common forms of interstitial lung disease, with a median survival time of two to five years. Most patients with IPF experience chronic breathlessness, which is closely linked to poor perceived quality of life and significant restriction of daily activities; therefore, effective management of this distressing symptom is a major goal of patient care.Areas covered: This report summarizes the physiology of IPF during rest and exercise, outlines current concepts of the mechanisms of breathlessness, and provides a physiological rationale for optimal management of individual patients. It also examines the evidence for efficacy of a number of therapeutic interventions currently at our disposal for the management of breathlessness in IPF, which aim to reduce respiratory neural drive, reduce worsening of mechanical load, and alter central perception.Expert commentary: The current evidence supporting general measures in relieving chronic breathlessness is weak; hence, more carefully designed prospective studies are required.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available