Overview of Interstitial Lung Disease| PatientsEngage

Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an umbrella term used for a large group of diseases that cause scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. It affects millions of people globally. It is a serious condition that impacts mortality and quality of life of people affected by it. ILD is different from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Submitted by PatientsEngage on 27 September 2024

What is Interstitial Lung Disease

To understand what Interstitial lung diseases actually are let’s try and understand what our lungs look like. Lungs are cylindrical organs, with a rounded, narrow peak at the top called the apex. At the base of the lungs is a broad, curved base that rests on the flattened surface of the diaphragm. The trachea (windpipe) divides into two main tubes called bronchus that divide several times after entering the lungs to form smaller tubes called bronchioles that eventually form the tiny air sacs called alveoli. The alveoli are where the gaseous exchange between the respiratory system and blood capillaries happens. From the hilum (an indent in the center of the lung), the lymphatic vessels, nerves, bronchus, and pulmonary arteries and veins enter the lungs.

Image sourced from https://www.chemoexperts.com/interstitial-lung-disease.html

The interstitium pertains to the tissue region within and surrounding the wall of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lung area. It is where oxygen transfers from the alveoli to the capillary network (small blood vessels) that envelops the lung like a delicate layer of blood. Once the oxygen traverses the interstitial space, it enters the bloodstream and is transported to the vital organs of the body.

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) induce inflammation or scarring in this interstitial space, hindering the passage of oxygen into the bloodstream. This inflammation and scarring also stiffen the lung, increasing the effort required for breathing and causing a heightened sense of breathlessness, particularly during activities like climbing stairs along with other symptoms like a dry, persistent cough.

Changed

21/Apr/2025

Community

Respiratory and Pulmonary

Condition

Interstitial Lung Disease

Stories

Prevention of Interstitial Lung Disease

These are some steps we can take to reduce the risk of Interstitial Lung Disease: Prevent occupational exposure: It is advisable to utilize a respirator, which is a mask designed to filter particles from the air, when exposed to hazardous substances such as asbestos, metal dusts, or chemicals. Exposure to certain allergens: It is recommended to wear a respirator when working in proximity to substances that can trigger chronic allergic reactions, such as hay, grain, bird…
Management of Interstitial Lung Disease

Management of Interstitial Lung Disease includes active treatment of the underlying causes and supportive therapies like pulmonary rehabilitation and oxygen therapy. Alongside management of the common comorbidities encountered in ILD is essential. Common conditions seen with ILD are: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)- The acid from the stomach regurgitates back into the esophagus which may cause a burning sensation in the chest. This acid can flow into the lungs and cause inflammation,…
Treatment of Interstitial Lung Disease

The management of Interstitial lung disease and the outcome solely depend on the type of condition leading to the restriction. There is also a need for treating symptoms and providing supportive and rehabilitative care. Medications: Corticosteroids are often used as first line of treatment, but duration should be limited to avoid long term consequences. Immunosuppressants (such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, or cyclophosphamide) are also effective to reduce inflammation…
Tests and Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease

The diagnosis for Interstitial Lung Disease includes the following tests and examinations: History and Physical Examination: Your doctor may ask about the onset, severity, rate of worsening of symptoms, the family history, smoking and drug history, and the occupational and environmental exposure history. Smoking can cause and worsen ILDs. 6-minute walk test: The doctor may perform a 6-minute walk test to assess the aerobic exercise capacity and thus the lung and heart function. The patient…
Types of Interstitial Lung Disease

There are more than 200 types of Interstitial Lung Diseases. Some of the common types of ILD are: Related to Exposure: Drug exposure like: Chemotherapy, methotrexate, etc. Occupational or environmental: inorganic dust like Asbestosis- Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition associated with prolonged exposure to high concentrations of asbestos fibers in the air. It may cause symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent dry cough, tightness in the chest or chest pain, loss of weight…
Symptoms of Interstitial Lung Disease

Here are some of the common symptoms of ILD or Interstitial Lung Disease: Dry Cough- A hacking cough with no production of phlegm. If the cough persists for 3 or more weeks, and is accompanied by blood and/or yellowish or greenish phlegm, one should see a doctor and have them check it out. Shortness of breath that worsens on physical exertion or exercise Extreme Fatigue- unusual tiredness even on routine day-to-day activities. Discomfort in chest- It may present as tightness in chest, pain or…
Causes and Risk Factors of Interstitial Lung Disease

The following are some of the causes and risk factors of ILD Genetics, lifestyle habits, environmental factors Some medications or other medical conditions such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis, pneumonia, COPD or Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease may cause ILDs. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)- when the cause is “unknown” Exposure to dust or mold in the environment may also cause some ILDs like asbestos-related lung diseases, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, etc. Some ILDs are more…
Overview of Interstitial Lung Disease

What is Interstitial Lung Disease To understand what Interstitial lung diseases actually are let’s try and understand what our lungs look like. Lungs are cylindrical organs, with a rounded, narrow peak at the top called the apex. At the base of the lungs is a broad, curved base that rests on the flattened surface of the diaphragm. The trachea (windpipe) divides into two main tubes called bronchus that divide several times after entering the lungs to form smaller tubes called bronchioles that…
The Crooked Road To a Double Lung Transplant

It all started with a black-out on a staircase. Neeta Seth, walks us through the crooked road to a diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease which kept worsening till she was advised a double lung transplant. A journey of treatment across 3 cities, the challenges of getting the transplant and post transplant care and rehabilitation. Going down the memory lane, I write about 13-14 years back. It was one of the usual morning schedules, when all the daily chores of the day were done. I was running up…