• Supportive measures in patients with acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis should include relief of dyspnea & provision of supplemental oxygen

Anti-Acid Therapy

• Acid aspiration & gastroesophageal reflux/gastroesophageal reflux disease causing acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may be treated with antacids (ie proton pump inhibitors, histamine-2 blocker receptor antagonists)
  
  • May help reduce the risk for microaspiration-associated lung injury 

• Stress ulcer prophylaxis guidelines must be followed

Antibiotics

• May be considered in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients in acute exacerbation with radiographic findings of overlapping pneumonia
• If the culture is negative, a 7-day course of antibiotic is recommended

Symptom Control for Cough & Dyspnea

• Facial cooling with a fan & the use of opioids & anxiolytics may help alleviate refractory cough & dyspnea

Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

• Venous thromboembolism is common in patients who were hospitalized due to acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis & routine measures should be employed

Vaccine

• Influenza & pneumococcal vaccines should be offered to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis