Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a disorder that affects the connective tissue that maintains the structure and shape of the lungs. When the lungs are affected by ILD, scarring and thickening occur making breathing difficult and limiting their ability to expand and contract.

Although ILD can affect anyone, it is most common in adults over the age of 50 and is thought to be related to exposure to irritants such as dust, chemicals and tobacco smoke. In addition, it has been shown to be associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and scleroderma.

How do I know if I have ILD?

The symptoms of ILD can be similar to those of other respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Some of the most common symptoms include dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek the opinion of a specialist in pulmonary medicine to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Early diagnosis of ILD is essential to prevent serious complications and improve a patient’s quality of life. Pulmonary medicine specialists can perform tests to diagnose the disease such as a CT scan of the lungs, pulmonary function test and lung biopsy.. These will help determine the severity of the disease and guide the choice of necessary treatment.

How is ILD cured?
The treatment of ILD depends on the severity of the disease and the patient’s needs. The main goal is reducing the inflammation of the lungs and preventing the formation of new scars. Treatment of this disease may include anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids and oxygen therapy.

Although this disease can be a debilitating disorder, with proper medical care – a patient’s quality of life can improve. If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of interstitial lung disease, do not hesitate to seek medical attention from a pulmonary medicine specialist at Lung MD.

Don’t wait for the condition to worsen, get early diagnosis to ensure proper treatment which will prevent serious complications and preserve your respiratory health. Remember, taking care of your health is an important investment in your long-term well-being!