What are the symptoms of ILD?
Interstitial lung disease symptoms frequently include:
- Shortness of breath that worsens with activity or effort.
- Driest cough
- Fatigue
- Pain in the chest
Typically, symptoms start off moderate but worsen over the course of months or years. Depending on the underlying cause of ILD, you can have additional symptoms.
What are the causes of ILD?
The main Causes are:
When your lungs are injured, an abnormal healing reaction tends to set off interstitial lung disease. The proper quantity of tissue is often produced by your body to heal damage. However, in interstitial lung disease, the healing procedure is incorrect, resulting in scarring and thickening of the tissue around the air sacs (alveoli). Because of this, it is more challenging for oxygen to enter your bloodstream.
Numerous factors, such as medicines, certain medical procedures, and airborne pollutants at work, can also cause interstitial lung disease.
How is ILD Diagnosed
By performing a physical examination, imaging your lungs, and testing your lung function, your doctor can determine whether you have interstitial lung disease. . During the examination, they'll listen to your lungs for any peculiar noises that could indicate that something isn't right with them. You'll be asked about the following:
- Your medical background and any existing illnesses.
- Medications you now take or have ever taken.
- Whether any members of your family suffer from connective tissue illnesses or specific ailments.
- If you are exposed to certain ILD causes through your job or interests.
The diagnostic tests for ILD are pulmonary function tests to check the working of the lungs, imaging tests like X-rays, blood tests, and bronchoscopy.
Treatment of Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial lung disease is incurable. ILD treatment often concentrates on addressing the underlying illness and reducing your symptoms. Your doctor could advise physical therapy, extra oxygen, or medicine to lessen inflammation or stop the progression of the illness.