Question: I have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, (COPD). Any suggestions?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Pulmonary fibrosis is a scarring of the lungs. We have few treatments and none to reverse it. Bronchiectasis is a chronic scarring infection of lung with grape-like collections of pus-filled cavities adjacent to airway passages in the lung. They cause a chronic cough and serve as reservoirs of chronic infections. Bronchiectasis is treated medically and surgically in select patients. COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, and usually requires aggressive medical management (multiple inhaler and oral medications) to reduce recurrent infections, lung and heart failure, and hospitalization. It sounds like you need to optimize your existing lung function, and stop smoking now if you still smoke. If you have been a non-smoker, more investigation is usually needed.