Supportive Therapy
- 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