Whatever the trigger for IPF, it sets off a series of events in which the inflammation, immune activity in the lungs, and the fiberoptic process become uncontrollable. Symptoms include dry cough and shortness of breath. As the disease progresses, shortness of breath becomes the major problem. The patient may also become more susceptible to infection. In advanced stages of the illness, the patient may need oxygen all the time.
Conventional treatment involves the use of Prednisone and other corticosteroids.
Often patients are unable to tolerate the toxic side effects of these drugs. Also enzyme potentiated desensitization holds hope for putting the disease in long term remission. As with all autoimmune disorders, detoxification and dietary changes are usually helpful. For best results this should be done under the supervision of a doctor experienced in nutritional medicine . The approach used in homeopathy is to attempt to restore the balance of the system using dilute solutions of natural substances specific to the disorder.