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Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a group of disorders that cause inflammation and scarring of the lung interstitium. It is the tissue which surrounds the air sacs. ILD interferes with the lung’s ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. Chronic environmental or occupational exposures, autoimmune diseases, certain medications, and infections may cause ILD. Manipal Hospitals provide early diagnosis and prompt management to prevent the progression of the disease and reduce further lung damage.
Treatments Available at
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Old Airport Road - Bengaluru
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Whitefield - Bengaluru
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Request a CallbackSymptoms of Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial lung disease symptoms usually develop gradually and worsen over time. Common symptoms include persistent dry cough, progressive shortness of breath during activity, fatigue, and sometimes chest discomfort. In advanced stages, clubbing of the fingers may be noticed.
How We Diagnose Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial lung disease diagnosis is based on medical history, physical examination, chest imaging, and breathing tests. Doctors may recommend high-resolution CT scans to detect lung scarring. Pulmonary function tests measure lung volumes and the lungs’ diffusing capacity. Blood tests may help detect underlying autoimmune diseases. Bronchoscopy or lung biopsy may be recommended in certain cases to identify and confirm specific subtypes.
Treatment Options
Interstitial lung disease treatment focuses on slowing disease progression, alleviating symptoms, and addressing the underlying causes. Depending on the condition, treatment may include medications, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle modifications to support lung function.
What to Expect
Experienced pulmonologists at Manipal Hospitals conduct comprehensive evaluations and provide individualised management for patients with ILD. After the diagnosis, the treatment plan is customised based on the type of ILD, severity, and the underlying cause.
Treatment may involve medications that reduce inflammation or suppress abnormal immune responses in the case of ILD related to autoimmune diseases. Antifibrotic drugs are used to slow down the progression of lung scarring. Patients with ILD may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation, including supervised exercise training, breathing exercises, and educational components to support lung function.
Patients with reduced blood oxygen levels may require oxygen therapy to maintain an adequate oxygen supply to body tissues. ILD progresses differently among patients. In some patients, the disease progresses very slowly, while in others, it may worsen more rapidly.
The multidisciplinary team tracks patient progress using pulmonary function tests and imaging to assess the effectiveness of treatments and monitor disease progression. Timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care play a crucial role in maintaining lung function and improving quality of life.
Consult our Experts
FAQs
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What may lead to the development of interstitial lung disease?
Interstitial lung disease causes include chronic exposure to environmental irritants such as dust, asbestos, and silica. Autoimmune diseases, the use of certain medications, infections, and radiation therapy can also lead to the development of ILD.
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Is it possible to cure interstitial lung disease?
Most types of interstitial lung disease cannot be completely cured, especially when lung scarring is significant. However, appropriate treatment can help to slow disease progression, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life for many patients.
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How is interstitial lung disease different from other lung diseases?
Interstitial lung disease primarily affects the lung interstitium, the tissue surrounding the air sacs, causing inflammation and scarring. This condition differs from airway diseases, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, which mainly affect the bronchial airways.
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Can smoking increase the risk of interstitial lung disease?
Smoking increases the risk of developing certain forms of interstitial lung disease and may worsen existing lung damage. Smoking cessation is strongly recommended to help protect lung function and prevent further respiratory complications.
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When should someone see a doctor for possible interstitial lung disease?
Medical evaluation is recommended if a person experiences a persistent dry cough, unexplained shortness of breath, or reduced exercise tolerance that worsens over time. Early assessment helps to identify interstitial lung disease and initiate an appropriate treatment plan.
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