Helpful "Hacks"
Here are some of my favorite items that help me cope with my PF symptoms on a daily basis. These are just a few of the many products and over-the-counter (OTC) medications available.
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These "Hacks" work for me, but you may have a very different experience. Give them a try, and if they work for you, that's great. If you don't find the same relief I do, there are many more products out there to try, and if you find one that works for you and would like to share it with fellow ILD sufferers, please drop me an email using the button below.
Steve's Favorites
Wellue O2Ring®
Continuous Oxygen Monitor
Easy to use, app-connected, ring-style fit.
The Wellue O2Ring helps me record my O2 levels to the handy phone app while I'm on a walk, on a plane or exercising.
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When I'm on a flight it will record the cabin oxygen levels effects on my oxygen intake. As I require supplemental oxygen on flights it can be very useful, as I use a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC).
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If I am exercising on a treadmill or a stair master the O2Ring records the change in saturated oxygen the more I push myself.
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I can wear it on my finger when I go to bed and in the morning I can download the oxygen level readings to the phone app recording various changes in levels over night for comparison over time.
Cough Suppressants
I feel I get a benefit from each of these brands of cough suppressants. In my experience the menthol in some of these drops temporarily calms my need to cough for 20 to 30 minutes.
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Before a long phone call or a Zoom meeting I will often take one of these to help keep coughing at a minimum.
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As with all medications, prescribed or OTC consult with your doctor before adding any to your medication regimen.
Drinks & Juices
I feel these two ginger drinks give me some comfort when I have a coughing episode.
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The Suja Ginger Love drink with all natural ingredients soothes my throat and reduces my cough.
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I sip Fever Tree Ginger Beer (non-alcoholic) very slowly to too quell my coughing. I also enjoy the taste.
More "Hacks"
Personal experience of
Rick Johnson, IPF patient.
Foam Wedge Pillow
These have revolutionized my sleep experience. It has helped me control my Acid Reflux and makes using my CPAP more comfortable and effective. I use two of them, laid side-by-side, across a queen-sized bed.
Download PDF from the link below.
Advice for Patients from Patients
Stanford's Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group
Tips for Living with ILD
Connecting with others facing similar experiences can improve emotional well-being and have a positive impact on the health of people who are living with Interstitial Lung Disease.
This document contains tips, and "Hacks" to help you live your day-to-day life with ILD.
Download PDF from the link below.