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What is Interstitial Lung Disease?1

ILD includes different conditions that cause lung scarring and stiffness, making it difficult to breathe and get oxygen into the blood.1
The damage is usually irreversible and tends to worsen progressively.1

What happens if you have ILD?2

The areas of your lungs responsible for oxygen transfer to your blood and tissues become damaged

This scarring can make breathing difficult and lead to a persistent cough

Reduced oxygen levels often result in constant fatigue

It can lead to severe complications, such as lung infections and respiratory failure, where your body lacks sufficient oxygen or accumulates excess carbon dioxide

Key Symptoms of Interstitial Lung Disease2,3

Because these symptoms are similar to other heart or lung problems, diagnosis may take time.

Shortness of Breath

Dry Cough

Extreme tiredness

Chest Discomfort

Shortness of Breath

Dry Cough

ILD
Key Symptoms

Extreme tiredness

Chest Discomfort

Types of Interstitial Lung Disease

Numerous types of ILDs can be triggered by factors such as genetics, lifestyle habits, environmental exposures, medications or other medical conditions.3

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)

Most common type of ILD with no known cause

Childhood ILDs 

Can have the same or different causes as ILDs in adults

Asbestos-related lung diseases and hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Exposure to dust or mold in your environment can cause some ILDs

Causes of Interstitial Lung Disease

ILD can be caused by various factors, including airborne toxins in the workplace, medications, and certain medical treatments. Often, the specific causes remain unidentified.4

Medical Conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis Scleroderma 2,4

Inflammatory Condition

Sarcoidosis 2,4

Inhaling Certain Substances

Asbestos Silica Grain dust 2,4

Allergic Reaction

Inhaling molds Fungi Bacteria Bird droppings 2,4

By Treatments

Chemotherapy drugs (e.g., methotrexate)
Heart medications (e.g., amiodarone)
Certain antibiotics (e.g., nitrofurantoin)4

Risk Factors2

>70 years of age

Past or current smokers

Have a history of certain illnesses, like TB, pneumonia, and COPD or chest radiation

Work around substances that can irritate your lungs, like asbestos, silica, molds, fungi or bacteria

Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease

ILD is usually diagnosed based on the following tests:2

Blood tests

Test to measure your lung function

Lung Imaging tests such as chest X-ray

Bronchoscopy

Biopsy

Managing Interstitial Lung Disease 1,2,3

Treatment for ILDs varies based on the type and severity of symptoms.3
Early treatment can slow damage and improve lung function.3
Corticosteroids can help reduce lung inflammation.1
Anti-fibrotic and cytotoxic drugs can help slow lung scarring.2
Biologic drugs like rituximab can sometimes used to treat ILD.2
Oxygen therapy provides extra oxygen to ease breathing and prevent complications like HF.1
Pulmonary rehabilitation may be suggested to improve lung function, boost endurance, and offer emotional support.1
In severe cases, lung transplants may be recommended.1
Your healthcare team will help you manage the condition and improve your quality of life.3

References:

  1. American Lung Association. Interstitial Lung Disease. Available from: https://www.lung.org/lung-health diseases/lung-disease-lookup/interstitial-lung-disease#:~:text=Interstitial%20lung%20disease%20(ILD)%20is A Accessed on 20 February 26. 
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Interstitial lung disease. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17809 interstitial-lung-disease Accessed on 20 February 26. 
  3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH). What Are Interstitial Lung Diseases? Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/interstitial-lung-diseases Accessed on 20 February 26. 
  4. Mayo Clinic. Interstitial lung disease – Symptoms and causes [Internet]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/interstitial-lung-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353108 Accessed on 20 February 26.
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