Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

 

 

IPF online

IPF online gives more insight into the disease and the disease course to people with IPF and their practitioners.

You can keep track of your medical data online and securely.
You will find information and the possibility to communicate with your caregivers online. Erasmus MC started here as the first hospital. You can check with your practitioner whether IPF is available online in your hospital.

What is IPF online?

IPF online

IPF online is meant to better understand your individual situation. IPF online can support you at:

• Recognizing symptoms and what actions you can take
• Keeping track of your own course, for example by means of an overview of your lung function in time and your complaint scores
• Communicate with the healthcare provider, and if you want to improve communication between your various healthcare providers. You can, for example, choose to have your doctor take part.

By answering questions every three months, you and your caregiver will know better how you are doing in the course of time. You will receive an email if you can fill in further questions. If you give permission for this, your healthcare provider can view your answers and give advice if necessary.

The completed answers will be discussed with you during the consultation. If you have a question in between, you can do so via the eConsult or via the normal route.


Who is it for?

IPF online is intended for people with IPF. It does not matter whether you have recently had this disease or for some time.

Research

With this website, where the patient keeps track of data, information is recorded in a structural way. This could provide new insights into the course of IPF and the impact on your daily life. In order to improve care, this information is important. We would therefore like to use this information anonymously for research. You can also use this website if you do not want to participate in research. Further information about this can be found after registration.


What is IPF?

Lung fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic condition in which too much scar tissue (fibrosis) is formed in the lungs, leading to progressive lung function impairment. This leads to complaints of shortness of breath, coughing and fatigue and has a major impact on the quality of life of patients and their families.

There are many causes for pulmonary fibrosis, such as inhaling harmful substances, underlying rheumatic diseases, use of certain medications and many other things. In some people there is no cause for the pulmonary fibrosis, this form is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

IPF is the most common form of pulmonary fibrosis. Idiopathic comes from the Greek and means: unknown cause. It is thought that this form of pulmonary fibrosis is caused by an abnormal reaction of the lung tissue after damage, eventually causing scar formation in the lungs. We estimate that there are between 1000-3000 people in the Netherlands with this disease. The disease has a varying course, but eventually the fibrosis will increase and lead to severe lung function limitations.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for IPF. Lung transplantation is a possibility for a limited group of people. Two medicines are available for IPF, nintedanib (Ofev®) and pirfenidone (Esbriet®). These medicines can not cure the disease, but slow the deterioration of lung function. These medicines are currently reimbursed for eligible people and may only be prescribed in specialized centers. In addition, the treatment consists of supporting measures such as pulmonary rehabilitation, extra oxygen and psychological support.

Research

Fortunately, research in the field of IPF is in full development. Currently, many studies are carried out involving possible new drug treatments and finding new ways to improve quality of life. In a number of hospitals in the Netherlands it is possible to participate in some of these studies. You can ask your pulmonologist about the possibilities.

Helpdesk

The helpdesk answers questions about the use of the software.


The helpdesk can not answer medical questions.
We strive to answer your questions by e-mail within 24 hours (on working days).
All helpdesk employees have a confidentiality obligation and work protocols.

Reachability


T: 0162 52 09 64 (on working days between 08.30-17.00)
E: info@curavista.nl.
A: Markt 9 - 4931 BR - Geertruidenberg - The Netherlands

More info: curavista.nl