what-is-interstitial-lung-d : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Interstitial lung disease describes a large group of disorders, most of which cause progressive scarring of lung tissue. The scarring associated with interstitial lung disease eventually affects your ability to breathe and get enough oxygen into your bloodstream.

What are the causes of interstitial lung disease (ild)?

Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are known to cause interstitial pneumonias. Regular exposures to inhaled irritants at work or during hobbies can also cause some interstitial lung disease. These irritants include:

• Asbestos
• Silica dust
• Talc
• Coal dust, or various other metal dusts from working in mining
• Grain dust from farming
• Bird proteins (such as from exotic birds, chickens, or pigeons)

Drugs such as nitrofurantoin, amiodarone, bleomycin, and many others can rarely cause interstitial lung disease.

All told, these factors cause a small percentage of interstitial lung disease. The cause of most interstitial lung disease is unknown.

 What are the symptoms of Interstitial Lung Disease?

The most common symptom of all forms of interstitial lung disease is shortness of breath. Nearly all people with interstitial lung disease will experience breathlessness, which may get worse over time.

Other symptoms of interstitial lung disease include:

• Cough, which is usually dry and nonproductive.
• Weight loss, most often in people with COP or BOOP.

In most forms of interstitial lung disease, the shortness of breath develops slowly (over months). In interstitial pneumonias or acute interstitial pneumonitis, symptoms come on more rapidly (in hours or days).

What is the risk factors interstitial lung disease?

Factors that may make you more susceptible to interstitial lung disease include:

• Age. Interstitial lung disease is much more likely to affect adults, although infants and children sometimes develop the disorder.
• Exposure to occupational and environmental toxins. If you work in mining, farming or construction or for any reason are exposed to pollutants known to damage your lungs, your risk of interstitial lung disease is increased.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease. If you have uncontrolled acid reflux or indigestion, you may be at increased risk of interstitial lung disease.
• Smoking. Some forms of interstitial lung disease are more likely to occur in people with a history of smoking, and active smoking may make the condition worse, especially if there is associated emphysema.
• Radiation and chemotherapy. Having radiation treatments to your chest or using some chemotherapy drugs makes it more likely that you'll develop lung disease.

What are the tests to diagnose interstitial lung disease?

People with interstitial lung disease usually come to see a doctor due to concern about shortness of breath or cough. Imaging tests of the lungs are usually done to identify the problem.

• Chest X-ray
• Computed tomography (CT scan)
• High-resolution CT scan
• Pulmonary function testing

What are the treatments for interstitial lung disease?

Treatments for interstitial lung disease vary according to the type of interstitial lung disease and its cause.

• Antibiotics
• Corticosteroids
• Inhaled oxygen
• Lung transplant
• Azathioprine (Imuran)
• N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)