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Can stem cells cure ILD in patients?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My mother aged 64 is suffering from interstitial lung disease (ILD) for the past three years. Now the doctor suggested recently that she has developed nodules which are mostly sarcoids in nature. Recent computed tomography (CT) scan report shows it. Is there any way to revive her lungs condition? Is stem cell therapy effective for her? She is now on 24 hours of oxygen support with three liters capacity. Please help us.

Answered by Dr. Prabhu Prasad N C

Education:

MD Pulmonary medicine DNB(Respiratory medicine)Fellowship in pulm/crit care(CMC,Vellore)

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prabhu Prasad N. C is a Consultant Pulmonologist with a decade of wide-ranging experience in Pulmonology. He has expertise in treating critically ill patients with Acute and Chronic Respiratory Failure, including patients with Non-Invasive Ventilation and Patients with Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease, with extensive years of clinical experience. He is well-experienced in Interventional bronchoscopic and Thoracoscopic procedures and real-time ultrasound-guided pleural interventions. He specializes in Interventional Pulmonology, Respiratory Critical care, Respiratory Sleep Disorders, and Respiratory Allergy.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

ILD (interstitial lung disease) has many different types. What was her type of ILD when diagnosed and what treatment was given? Development of new nodules which are suspicious of sarcoidosis is quite rare, nevertheless if her condition permits which need to be evaluated by biopsy of the lungs, which might help in tailoring the treatment regimen. The investigations to be done are repeat sputum for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smears, gram stain, C/S and GeneXPERT MTB/Rif. Treatment plan include 1. Apart from home care oxygen, only another thing which might change the course of your mother is exercise, which is called pulmonary rehabilitation. 2. Weekly three times intense pulmonary rehabilitation has to be given. 3. Nutrition is very important which needs to be tailored by getting dietician consultation. 4. Stem cell therapy in ILD is still in the research phases so I cannot advise that. 5. As a last resort, you can try for lung transplantation. Preventive measure include vaccinations if not done earlier.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At May 24, 2019
Reviewed At May 29, 2024

Education:

MD Pulmonary medicine DNB(Respiratory medicine)Fellowship in pulm/crit care(CMC,Vellore)

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prabhu Prasad N. C is a Consultant Pulmonologist with a decade of wide-ranging experience in Pulmonology. He has expertise in treating critically ill patients with Acute and Chronic Respiratory Failure, including patients with Non-Invasive Ventilation and Patients with Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease, with extensive years of clinical experience. He is well-experienced in Interventional bronchoscopic and Thoracoscopic procedures and real-time ultrasound-guided pleural interventions. He specializes in Interventional Pulmonology, Respiratory Critical care, Respiratory Sleep Disorders, and Respiratory Allergy.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MD Pulmonary medicine DNB(Respiratory medicine)Fellowship in pulm/crit care(CMC,Vellore)

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prabhu Prasad N. C is a Consultant Pulmonologist with a decade of wide-ranging experience in Pulmonology. He has expertise in treating critically ill patients with Acute and Chronic Respiratory Failure, including patients with Non-Invasive Ventilation and Patients with Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease, with extensive years of clinical experience. He is well-experienced in Interventional bronchoscopic and Thoracoscopic procedures and real-time ultrasound-guided pleural interventions. He specializes in Interventional Pulmonology, Respiratory Critical care, Respiratory Sleep Disorders, and Respiratory Allergy.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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