Interstitial Lung Disease: An Overview

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The primary symptoms of ILD are dyspnea (shortness of breath) and cough. As the disease advances, patients may experience fatigue, weight loss, and chest pain. In severe cases, blue discoloration of the skin and lips (cyanosis) can occur due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood. Diagnosis of ILD involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, lung function tests, imaging studies, and sometimes biopsy. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans are particularly useful in visualizing the interstitial scarring. Lung function tests, such as spirometry and diffusion capacity, quantify the degree of lung impairment.

Treatment and Outcomes

Treatment of ILD depends on the underlying cause. For idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common type of ILD, there is no cure, and treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and managing symptoms. Medications such as nintedanib and pirfenidone can slow the rate of forced vital capacity decline. Oxygen therapy is often necessary to combat hypoxia. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which include exercise training, education, and support, can improve quality of life. Lung transplantation may be considered for advanced cases. The prognosis for ILD varies widely depending on the specific type and rate of progression.

Known Causes of ILD

Patients with some inflammatory and connective tissue diseases are at a higher risk for ILD. These conditions include many AiArthritis diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic scleroderma, myositis, including dermatomyositis and polymyositis (DM and PM), sarcoidosis, and Sjögren's.

By Kelly Conway