Interstitial lung disease, aka ILD, is a group of disorders that lead to progressive scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue. The scarring associated with interstitial lung disease causes stiffness in the lungs and ultimately affects your ability to respire and get enough oxygen into your bloodstream. Lung damage from interstitial lung disease is often irreversible and worsens over time.
Interstitial lung disease can be related to a condition that may affect other parts of the body, such as rheumatoid, sarcoidosis, or arthritis. Adults are more likely to get interstitial lung disease (ILD) and rarely can occur in children.
Common symptoms of ILD include:
- Difficulty in breathing at rest or aggravated by exertion
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Decreased exercise tolerance
- Coughing
- Mild wheezing
- Chest tightness
What Causes Interstitial Lung Disease?
Because an interstitial lung disease is a group of disorders so there are more than 200 factors that can cause this syndrome. Some of them are discussed below:
Breathing In Harmful Substances:
Those people who inhale harmful chemicals such as pollutants, cigarette smoke, asbestos, coal dust, and pollen are more likely to develop interstitial lung disease because these irritants damage the lungs badly.
Family History:
ILD has also transmitted generation after generation. This means that if ILD is in the family history, the next generation of that family has more chances of having this disorder.
Other Related Diseases:
Some people develop ILD due to an autoimmune disorder (which is caused by lymphocytes or antibodies produced against such substances that are naturally present in the body). For example, arthritis, dermatomyositis, rheumatoid, and sarcoidosis are included in autoimmune disorders.
Idiopathic ILD:
When the causes are unknown, we refer to it as idiopathic. Idiopathic interstitial lung disease affects people over 60 years old.
How Can We Diagnose Interstitial Lung Disease?
Doctors diagnose this syndrome by recommending the following tests:
- A lung function test to examine how well your lungs are working
- Imaging tests such as high-resolution CT scan (computed tomography) and X-ray
- Bronchoscopy is a test in which doctors insert a tube through the mouth or nose into the lungs to analyze the inside of the lungs.
- A physical examination. The doctors will ask you if you have any disorders that affect the entire body (systematic condition) or have had any contact with harmful substances.
How Can Interstitial Lung Disease Be Treated?
Treatment varies from person to person. It depends upon the type of interstitial lung disease and its intensity. The most common treatment includes:
Oxygen Therapy:
In oxygen therapy, extra oxygen is provided to the patients to reduce their shortness of breath. Furthermore, it is also done to protect other vital body organs and enhance the quality of life.
Medication:
Medicines assist in improving lung function by suppressing scarring and inflammation. For this purpose, steroids, corticosteroids, and other rheumatologic drugs are suggested by doctors.
Pulmonary And Exercise Therapy:
Lung functions can also be improved by breathing exercises and physical activity.
Lung Transplant:
Some people with severe cases of interstitial lung disease have lung transplants to help prolong their lives.
References:
- Hoffman, M. (2021). Interstitial lung disease (ILD): Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. WebMD. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/lung/interstitial-lung-disease
- Association, A. L. (2022). Interstitial lung disease. Interstitial Lung Disease | American Lung Association. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from lung.org
- Clinic, M. (2017, July 21). Interstitial lung disease. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/interstitial-lung-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353108