Interstitial lung disease

Overview

ILD includes pulmonary fibrosis and lung problems from autoimmune disease, dust, or medicines.

Finding the cause guides treatment.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Shortness of breath

Less common

• Dry cough
• Tiredness
• Clubbed fingers

Look up a symptom: Cough · Fatigue · Getting winded easily with activity or stairs

When to get medical care

Causes

Many causes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Adults over 50: Most common
• People exposed to dust, mold, or birds: Higher risk

Possible complications

• Respiratory failure: In advanced disease
• Pulmonary hypertension: High pressure in the lung arteries

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• CT:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Don't smoke
• Join pulmonary rehab
• Get vaccines

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Don't smoke
• Avoid mold and bird droppings

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor).

Living with it

• Use your inhalers as prescribed.
• Ask about pulmonary rehab.
• Get flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia vaccines.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• American Lung Association: Lung HelpLine 1-800-586-4872 and Better Breathers support groups.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with autoimmune disease: Higher risk.
• Adults over 50: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment can slow it.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Interstitial lung disease