ILD describes about 200 different conditions that affect the tissue in and around the air sacs of the lungs (alveoli). ILDs are a restrictive lung disease, which means it makes it harder for the lungs to fully expand or fill up with air.
Asbestosis, silicosis and sarcoidosis are all types of ILDs. ILD is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is one of the most common types of ILD.
ILDs cause inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. There are about 200 different types of ILDs.
Just like there are many different types of ILDs, there are many things that can cause an ILD.
- It can be inherited from a family member (genetic).
- It can be the result of exposure to certain substances in the environment that can cause lung damage like silica dust, asbestos, mold or other chemicals (asbestosis, silicosis).
- It can be an autoimmune condition.
- It can be the side effect of radiation treatment or other medications.
- Smoking has been linked to an increased chance of an ILD.
- There can be no identifiable cause (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis).
Common symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Chest discomfort
- Fatigue
Advanced symptoms
- Clubbing or widening of the fingers or toes
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Low oxygen levels
- Lung sounds called “crackles”
How is an ILD diagnosed?
An ILD can be difficult to diagnose, as many of the symptoms are similar to other conditions, and there are so many different types of ILDs.
To diagnose an ILD, your healthcare provider will ask you about your family and medical history and do a physical exam. A high-resolution CT scan can get a better look at your lungs and help diagnose ILD. Other tests may include a blood test to check for autoimmune diseases, arterial blood gas test or pulse oximetry to measure your blood oxygen levels, pulmonary exercise tests and lung function tests to see how well your lungs work.
To diagnose a specific type of ILD, your healthcare provider may order more invasive procedures such as a bronchoscopy or a lung biopsy.
What treatments are available for ILDs?
The specific treatment depends on the type of ILD its severity.
Treatment of ILD is intended to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and slow the progression of the disease.
Pirfenidone and nintedanib are antifibrotic medications that may slow how quickly scar tissue can form in your lungs.
Your healthcare provider may recommend pulmonary rehabilitation, a program of exercise, education and support. It is important that you speak to your healthcare provider before taking part in any exercise program.
Other treatments include supplemental oxygen and lung transplantation.
See our page on living with and managing ILD
You may also be interested in:
- Living Well with Interstitial Lung Disease (printable fact sheet)
- Living Well with Interstitial Lung Disease (printable checklist)
- Interstitial Lung Disease: A Patient’s Perspective (video)
- Interstitial Lung Disease: A Doctor’s Perspective (video)
- Interstitial Lung Disease: A Caregiver’s Perspective (video)
- BreatheSTRONG program of education, exercise and resources
