Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis-Treatment and Management

Abstract Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease with poor prognosis. Currently, two antifibrotic medications have been shown to reduce the rate of decline in lung function over time among IPF patients and are mainstays of IPF treatment. Patients meeting the criteria for consideration of lung transplantation must be referred to a lung transplant program in a timely manner. Other areas of treatment include management of symptoms and comorbid conditions including abnormal acid gastroesophageal reflux, obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary hypertension, as well as participation in clinical trials, patient education, pulmonary rehabilitation and judicial use of supplemental oxygen. This article summarizes the current approach to treatment of IPF.