Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)*
ILD is a group of lung diseases
affecting the interstitium (characterized by progressive scarring of the lung
tissue between and space around the air sacs of the lungs). Once the scarring
occurs, it is generally irreversible. It affects the alveolar epithelium, pulmonary
capillary endothelium, basement membrane, and perivascular and perilymphatic
tissues. ILD is used to distinguish
obstructive airway diseases from other lung diseases and disorders. According
to the University of Chicago Medicine, it refers to more than 200 chronic lung
disorders.
The known causes of ILD include:
autoimmune diseases, rheumatologic diseases, occupational and organic exposures
(long-term exposure to asbestos, coal dust, and mold), medications (chemo,
heart or antibiotics), and radiation. Unknown causes include: Idiopathic
Pulmonary Fibrosis, Interstitial Pneumonias, Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonia,
and Sarcoidosis. It may also occur when an injury triggers an abnormal healing
response.
The symptoms of ILD are a dry cough
and shortness of breath (at rest or with exertion). These may cause progressive
lung stiffness, eventually affecting your ability to breathe and get oxygen
into the bloodstream. They are usually diagnosed by a Pulmonologist using blood
Childers 2
tests, chest CT scans, pulmonary function tests,
bonchioscopic or surgical biopsies, and Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).
Medications, such as corticosteroids,
may slow the damage, but most people never regain full use of their lungs. The
FDA approved a drug called Ofev in October
of 2014, that slows declined lung function, but does not reduce mortality or
improve lung function. Oxygen therapy is another treatment for Interstitial
Lung Disease. Lung transplant is the best option if it worsens while receiving treatment
or after making lifestyle changes (quitting smoking, eating well, and staying
active).
References:
mayoclinic.org
en.wikipedia.org
uchospitals.edu
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