Interstitial lung disease (ILD), also known as diffuse parenchymal lung disease, refers to a diverse group of lung disorders characterized by inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue, particularly the interstitium. The interstitium is the tissue that surrounds and supports the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, where gas exchange between the air and bloodstream occurs.
In interstitial lung disease, the interstitium becomes thickened and fibrotic, leading to the impairment of lung function and impaired oxygen transfer. The disease encompasses a wide range of conditions with variable causes, including autoimmune diseases, occupational and environmental exposures, medication-induced lung injury, and certain genetic and inherited disorders.
Symptoms of interstitial lung disease can include progressive shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and in some cases, clubbing of the fingers. The disease may progress at different rates, ranging from a slow and gradual decline to a more rapid progression, depending on the underlying cause.
Diagnosis of interstitial lung disease often involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, lung function tests, imaging studies such as chest X-rays or high-resolution CT scans, and sometimes lung tissue biopsy for accurate determination of the specific type and cause of the disease.
Treatment of interstitial lung disease aims to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve overall lung function. Treatment plans may involve medications to reduce inflammation and fibrosis, oxygen therapy to alleviate breathing difficulties, pulmonary rehabilitation, and in severe cases, lung transplantation.
