Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a group of over 200 disorders that cause inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) of the interstitium, the tissue and space around the lung’s air sacs (alveoli). This damage makes it difficult for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream, leading to progressive shortness of breath and a dry, persistent cough.
Key Features of ILD:
- Progressive breathlessness, especially on exertion
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Clubbing of fingers (in some types)
- Crackles (Velcro-like sounds) heard in the lungs on examination
Common Causes of ILD:
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, lupus)
- Occupational/environmental exposures (e.g., silica, asbestos, mold, bird droppings)
- Medications (e.g., amiodarone, methotrexate, chemotherapy drugs)
- Radiation therapy
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) – ILD with no known cause
How It Affects the Lungs:
- The interstitium becomes inflamed and thickened
- Over time, scarring (fibrosis) replaces healthy tissue
- Lungs become stiff and lose their ability to expand properly
- Gas exchange becomes impaired