Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a term used for a group of over 200 conditions that cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs. The interstitium is the tiny, fluid-filled tissue and space around the air sacs in the lungs, and in interstitial lung diseases, the interstitium thickens and scars, causing lung stiffness and eventually affecting breathing. The causes of ILD are not fully understood, but they can include exposure to toxins, autoimmune diseases, and infections. The most common symptom of ILD is shortness of breath, which develops slowly over several months, and other symptoms can include a dry, scratchy cough and weight loss.
To diagnose ILD, healthcare providers may perform pulmonary function tests, imaging tests, blood tests, bronchoscopy, and biopsy. There is no cure for ILD, but treatment options can include medications, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lung transplant. If you are experiencing symptoms of ILD, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
