Symposium looks at pulmonary fibrosis
Posted 4/27/2009
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Pulmonary fibrosis is an incurable condition in which tissue deep in your lungs becomes thick and stiff, or scarred, over time. The development of the scarred tissue is called fibrosis. As the lung tissue becomes thicker, your lungs lose their ability to move oxygen into your bloodstream, and your brain and other organs don't receive the oxygen they need. (See How the Lungs Work for more information.)
In some cases, doctors can find out what is causing the fibrosis. But in most cases, they can't find a cause, a condition known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
On Saturday May 2, the Interstitial Lung Diseases Center of the Pulmonary, Sleep and Critical Care Division of the Department of Medicine is sponsoring a patient symposium for patients, families and friends suffering from, or interested in IPF, which affects about 150,000 people in the US. This meeting will bring together about 150-200 people, one of the largest gatherings of patients in the US.
Topics will include general information about the disease, strategies for living better with the manifestations of the disease, and promising new treatments. The meeting also provides a networking opportunity for patients and families (who are often homebound with limited ability to meet/discuss their illnesses) with other patients and families who are similarly afflicted.
For details on the symposium, click here. To register, click here or call 617-667-5864.
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