Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Patient Guide
Written by Dr Fasihul Khan, Consultant Respiratory Physician and ILD specialist, providing expert guidance on interstitial lung disease. Key points Pulmonary fibrosis means scarring within the lungs, but it is not a single disease The condition can behave very differently and some patients remain stable for many years Symptoms most commonly include breathlessness and a […]
Breathlessness in Interstitial Lung Disease
Written by Dr Fasihul Khan, Consultant Respiratory Physician and ILD specialist, providing expert guidance on interstitial lung disease. Breathlessness is one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by people living with interstitial lung disease (ILD). For many, it is the symptom that first prompts medical attention. For others, it develops gradually and […]
UIP Pattern on CT
Written by Dr Fasihul Khan, Consultant Respiratory Physician and ILD specialist, providing expert guidance on interstitial lung disease. Being told that your CT scan shows a “UIP pattern” can be alarming. In many cases, careful evaluation provides clarity and avoids premature conclusions. The term “UIP” is often associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and […]
Anti-Fibrotic Therapy in Interstitial Lung Disease
Written by Dr Fasihul Khan, Consultant Respiratory Physician and ILD specialist, providing expert guidance on interstitial lung disease. Anti-fibrotic medications are commonly used in fibrotic lung disease, particularly pulmonary fibrosis. Many patients are offered these treatments after being told their condition is progressing, which naturally raises questions about benefit, timing, and side-effects. These medications […]
Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis: What Does “Progression” Actually Mean?
Written by Dr Fasihul Khan, Consultant Respiratory Physician and ILD specialist, providing expert guidance on interstitial lung disease. Key points “Progression” refers to change over time, not a single result Not all fibrosis progresses and many patients remain stable Small fluctuations in lung function are common and not always meaningful Treatment decisions are based […]
Immunosuppression in Interstitial Lung Disease
Written by Dr Fasihul Khan, Consultant Respiratory Physician and ILD specialist, providing expert guidance on interstitial lung disease. Key points Immunosuppressive treatment is used when inflammation is driving lung disease It is commonly used in autoimmune-related ILD It is not routinely used in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) The presence of fibrosis alone does not […]
Prognosis in Interstitial Lung Disease
Written by Dr Fasihul Khan, Consultant Respiratory Physician and ILD specialist, providing expert guidance on interstitial lung disease. One of the most difficult questions patients ask after being diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (ILD) is: “How long do I have?” It is an entirely understandable question. A diagnosis involving lung scarring naturally raises concerns […]