What is Interstitial Lung Disease?

Interstitial Lung Disease, or ILD, refers to a group of lung diseases that lead to inflammation, scarring, and thickening in and around the small air sacs in the lungs (the alveoli) and their surrounding tissue. This stiffens the lung tissue, making it harder to breathe, and harder for the lungs to properly expand and take in air. It also becomes more difficult for oxygen to move from the lungs into the blood.  

ILD can worsen slowly over years, or it might progress quickly. Once scarring occurs, it is usually irreversible. Treatments vary depending on your specific type of ILD, but the focus is on slowing down the damage. 

What are the Symptoms?

• Shortness of breath even at rest, or shortness of breath that worsens with physical activity. 
  
• A dry cough.
• A distinct crackling sound during inhalation may be present. (Click here to listen)

What Causes ILD?

There are many possible causes of ILD. Sometimes, the cause is unknown.  

• Environmental or work exposures: Long-term exposure to asbestos, dust, mold, or other harmful chemicals. 
• Underlying health conditions — Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma can cause ILD. A family history of ILD can also make you more likely to get ILD. 
• Some medicines: Certain drugs used for cancer, heart disease, or other treatments can damage lungs. Radiation therapy to the chest, for example, can injure lungs.  
• Unknown cause: The most common type of ILD is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). “Idiopathic” means “of unknown cause”. Another ILD of unknown cause is Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, also called COP. “Cryptogenic” means “hidden cause”.