Interstitial Lung Disease

Symptoms | Treatments

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What is

Symptoms

Causes and Risk Factors

Diagnosis

Treatment

Other Information

What is - Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a term encompassing a diverse group of disorders that cause inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs, resulting in stiffness and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of Interstitial Lung Disease

Shortness of breath
Cough
Decreased exercise tolerance
Fatigue
Weight loss

Interstitial Lung Disease - Causes and Risk Factors

Various factors can cause ILDs, these include:

Autoimmune diseases (conditions which involve the immune system harming the body) such as systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis
Environmental and occupational exposures to different toxins or pollutants like bird droppings, silica
Familial – the disease is hereditary (passed down the family tree)
Idiopathic – the cause is currently unknown

Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease

When ILD is suspected, diagnostic tests such as the following may be necessary:

X-rays
CT scans
Pulmonary function tests
Specific blood investigations
Bronchoscopy
Surgical lung biopsy

Treatment for Interstitial Lung Disease

Treatment for ILD depends on the underlying cause.

Medications used may include:

Immunosuppressants such as Corticosteroids – this reduces the amount of inflammation in your lungs and the rest of your body
Anti fibrotics – this helps to slow the rate of scarring (fibrosis) and deterioration in your lungs

Non-medication treatments involve:

Pulmonary rehabilitation programme – helps strengthen breathing muscles and manage breathing difficulties. Structured and supervised exercise training with education, support and self-management strategies
Oxygen therapy – supplemental oxygen may improve activity levels. In some cases, patients may require long term oxygen therapy
Updated vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcus reduce the risk of
infections which can worsen breathlessness and other symptoms

Interstitial Lung Disease - Other Information

Regular follow-up with your doctor is crucial for monitoring compliance, treatment response, and managing potential side effects of medications. Your doctor will provide further guidance on treatment plans during consultations.

Download our leaflet to learn more about ILD: