What is interstitial lung disease?

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a long-term (chronic) lung disease. It happens because of damage between the air sacs in the lung. The damage scars the lung and causes breathing problems. There are many types of this disease.

People with ILD get short of breath and may have a dry cough. You may notice these symptoms at first when you are active. But over time, you may feel them even when you are resting. These problems may get worse slowly or very quickly.

To diagnose ILD, your doctor will do a physical exam. He or she may ask you about the medicines you take. The doctor may also ask if you smoke or have come into contact with asbestos, coal dust, or silica dust.

Your doctor may listen to your lungs and do a chest X-ray or CT scan. A lung biopsy may be done. These tests check for scarring and inflammation in the lungs. You may also have blood tests, tests to see how well your lungs work, and exercise tests.

Treatment of ILD often depends on whether the cause is known. If the cause is known, your doctor can choose a therapy to treat that cause. There are medicines that can be given even if the cause is not found.

Steroids can sometimes reduce the swelling of lung tissue and prevent more damage. Oxygen treatment may also help. Your doctor may suggest COVID-19, pneumonia, and flu vaccines to prevent lung infections.

Your doctor may also suggest a lung rehab program. It can help you learn to manage your disease. In rehab, a team of health professionals can provide counseling. They can also teach you how to breathe more easily, exercise, and eat well. If you smoke, your doctor may talk with you about your options for quitting.

A lung transplant may sometimes be an option.

• Do not smoke. Smoking makes interstitial lung disease worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you have any problems with your medicine.
• Get flu and pneumococcal shots. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines help prevent lung infection.
• Make an exercise plan with help from your doctor or other health professional. Exercise can help you breathe more easily.
• Think about joining a support group. This can help you cope with problems caused by interstitial lung disease.