Interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a group of lung diseases affecting the interstitium (the tissue and space around the air sacs of the lungs). It concerns over 200 different conditions.

Causes

The exact cause of ILD is often unknown, but they can be categorized into four main areas: exposure to occupational and environmental toxins, autoimmune diseases, medications, and idiopathic (unknown cause).

Occupational and Environmental Toxins

Certain jobs and exposures are linked to ILD, such as mining, farming, and working with asbestos.

Autoimmune Diseases

ILD can be a complication of various autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and lupus.

Medications

Some drugs can cause ILD, including chemotherapy drugs, heart medications, some antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Idiopathic

In many cases, the cause of ILD is unknown. These are termed idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, the most common of which is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of ILD include shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. In some cases, clubbing (widening and rounding) of the fingers and toes may occur.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ILD typically involves imaging tests, lung function tests, and sometimes a lung biopsy. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is often used.

Treatment

Treatment for ILD is aimed at preserving lung function and quality of life, and can include medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and in severe cases, lung transplant.

Prognosis

The prognosis for ILD varies widely depending on the specific type of disease, its cause, and the individual patient's health. Some forms of ILD can lead to respiratory failure and death.

See Also

• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Scleroderma
• Lupus