Interstitial Lung Disease Doctor in Indore

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) refers to a collection of lung diseases that lead to scarring (fibrosis) of the lung tissue, especially the interstitium, which refers to the tissue surrounding the air sacs (alveoli).

The scarring stiffens the lungs, decreasing their capacity to expand and disrupting oxygen transfer into the blood.

ILD is not a disease but a name encompassing more than 200 lung conditions, including:

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

Sarcoidosis

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Connective tissue disease-associated ILD

Causes

Unknown (idiopathic) — most prevalent in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Autoimmune or connective diseases — such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma.

Environmental or occupational exposure — silica, asbestos, coal dust, mold.

Drug-induced — some chemotherapy agents, antibiotics, or heart medications.

Radiation therapy — to the chest or lungs.

Symptoms of Interstitial Lung Disease

Symptoms often develop gradually and can initially be mild, making early diagnosis difficult.

Common Symptoms

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea), particularly during exercise

• Persistent dry cough

• Fatigue or weakness

• Chest discomfort or mild pain

• Clubbing of fingers (spoon-shaped fingertips in chronic cases)

• Unexplained weight loss

• Wheezing or crackling sounds in the lungs (heard during a doctor's examination)

In severe cases, low oxygen levels may lead to dizziness or bluish discoloration of the lips/fingers.

Complications

Progressive lung scarring and stiffness

Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)

Respiratory failure

Increased risk of lung infections

Poor exercise tolerance and quality of life

Prevention of Interstitial Lung Disease

Some types of ILD cannot be prevented at all (e.g., idiopathic), but a great many risk factors can be reduced:

1. Avoid Environmental and Occupational Hazards

Use protective masks upon exposure to dust, fumes, or chemicals.

Avoid smoking — it exacerbates lung damage.

Reduce exposure to mold, asbestos, silica, and bird droppings.

2. Manage Underlying Health Conditions

Manage autoimmune diseases under medical care.

Watch for medications likely to cause lung toxicity.

3. Healthy Lifestyle

Exercise regularly to keep lung function up (with doctor's supervision).

Have a balanced diet that is full of antioxidants.

Be vaccinated against flu and pneumonia to avoid infections of the lungs.

4. Regular Medical Check-ups

It is important to detect early.

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and high-resolution CT scans can detect ILD early.

Seek a pulmonologist if there is a persistent cough or breathlessness.