ILD / Lung Fibrosis

Interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a term for a group of lung disorders that cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs. This scarring makes it difficult to breathe and get oxygen into the bloodstream.

Interstitial lung disease can vary from person to person and depending on what caused it. Sometimes it progresses slowly. In other cases, it worsens quickly. Your symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Types of ILD:

• Interstitial pneumonia
• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
• Nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis
• Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis
• Acute interstitial pneumonitis
• Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP)

Symptoms

• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Muscle and joint pain
• Clubbing of the fingernails
• Cyanosis (blue color of the lips, skin, or fingernails)

Different Causes

• Genetics
• Certain medications or medical treatments
• Exposure to hazardous materials
• Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or sarcoidosis
• Smoking

Treatment Options

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) treatment varies based on the underlying cause and severity, but generally aims to manage symptoms, prevent further scarring, and improve lung function through a combination of medications, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and in severe cases, lung transplantation.