The term interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a group of chronic lung diseases in which the lungs become inflamed and scarred, making oxygen access difficult. There are several causes and consequences of ILD, and it can affect anyone, though some people are more at risk than others. However, ILD cannot be cured. It can be treated with medications, therapies, or surgery, but there is no cure for it.
It is unclear exactly why ILD occurs, but genetic, immune, and environmental factors are believed to contribute to the condition. ILD occurs when the tissues between the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) and the blood vessels around them become damaged and scarred. As a result, the lung capacity and gas exchange are reduced, resulting in low blood oxygen levels.
Some possible factors that can cause or contribute to ILD include:
Long-term exposure to harmful substances, such as asbestos, silica, dust, mold, or chemicals, that can irritate or damage the lungs
Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or lupus, that can cause the immune system to attack the lungs
Medications, such as chemotherapy, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory drugs, that can have side effects on the lungs
Radiation therapy, such as for lung or breast cancer, that can damage the lung tissue
Infections, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, or COVID-19, that can cause inflammation or complications in the lungs
Genetic factors, such as mutations or variations in certain genes, that can affect the lung function or the response to injury
The symptoms of ILD vary depending on the type, severity, and progression of the disease, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient. Some common symptoms include:
Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or at high altitudes
Dry cough, which may produce blood or mucus
Chest pain or discomfort
Fatigue or weakness
Weight loss or loss of appetite
Fever or night sweats
Some people with ILD may also experience complications, such as:
Pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the lungs, that can strain the heart and cause heart failure
Respiratory failure, which is the inability of the lungs to provide enough oxygen or remove enough carbon dioxide from the blood, that can be life-threatening
Lung cancer, which is the abnormal growth of cells in the lungs, that can spread to other organs
Pulmonary fibrosis, which is the excessive scarring and stiffening of the lungs, that can worsen the symptoms and prognosis of ILD
ILD can be difficult to diagnose, as it can mimic other lung diseases or conditions. The diagnosis of ILD is usually based on a combination of:
Medical history and physical examination, to assess the symptoms, risk factors, and lung function of the patient
Blood tests, to measure the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, inflammation, infection, or antibodies in the blood
Imaging tests, such as chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, to obtain pictures of the lungs and detect any abnormalities or scarring
Lung function tests, such as spirometry, plethysmography, or diffusion capacity, to measure the volume, flow, and gas exchange of the lungs
Biopsy, which is the removal of a small sample of lung tissue for microscopic examination, to confirm the diagnosis and identify the type of ILD
A patient's treatment of ILD depends on his or her age, preferences, and general health, as well as the cause, type, and severity of the disease. Inflammation, scarring, relief of symptoms, and an improved quality of life are the main goals of treatment.
Some possible treatments for ILD include:
Medications, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or antifibrotics, that can reduce the inflammation, suppress the immune system, or prevent the scarring in the lungs
Oxygen therapy, which is the delivery of oxygen through a mask or a nasal cannula, to increase the oxygen levels in the blood and ease the breathing
Pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a program that involves exercise, education, and counseling, to improve the lung function, physical fitness, and mental well-being of the patient
Lung transplant, which is the surgical replacement of one or both lungs with healthy lungs from a donor, to restore the lung function and extend the life of the patient
Palliative care, which is a type of care that focuses on relieving the pain, discomfort, and stress of the patient and the family, to improve the quality of life and the end-of-life care of the patient
There is no sure way to prevent ILD, but some lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk or severity of the disease. These include:
Avoiding or limiting exposure to harmful substances, such as dust, smoke, chemicals, or pollutants, that can irritate or damage the lungs
Wearing protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, or goggles, when working or living in environments that may contain hazardous materials
Quitting smoking, as smoking can worsen the lung damage and increase the risk of lung cancer
Taking medications and treatments as prescribed by the doctor for any underlying conditions that may affect the lungs, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or cancer
Having regular check-ups and screenings to monitor the lung health and detect any problems early
Following the doctor’s advice and instructions regarding the use of medications, supplements, or therapies for ILD
Seeking medical attention and treatment as soon as possible if experiencing any symptoms or signs of ILD or its complications
The term interstitial lung disease refers to a group of chronic lung diseases that cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs, making oxygen delivery difficult.
