"Sleeps at night with oxygen": Yehuda Poliker's serious illness

Singer Yehuda Poliker revealed he suffers from pulmonary fibrosis, a disease causing severe shortness of breath, and that he sleeps with oxygen and struggles after 10 steps. The article includes explanations by Prof. Gabriel Izbicki from Shaare Zedek about the disease, diagnostic challenges, drug treatments, rehabilitation, and the possibility of lung transplantation in advanced cases.

Singer and poet Yehuda Poliker revealed yesterday (Saturday) on Channel 12 News that he suffers from pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive disease affecting the lungs and causing severe shortness of breath. Poliker said he has to sleep with oxygen and that even after 10 steps he struggles, but made clear he will continue performing. The article presents the words of Prof. Gabriel Izbicki, director of the Lung Institute at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, who explains that the disease is a non-infectious inflammation leading to scarring of lung tissue. He notes that diagnosis is difficult due to non-specific symptoms, and that treatment includes specific drugs (Esbriet and Ofev) approved in 2014 that slow deterioration, along with non-drug treatments such as oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation. In advanced cases, especially under age 70, lung transplantation is considered. Prof. Izbicki emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment.