Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a group of more than 100 chronic diseases characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue and the formation of scar tissue (scarring/fibrosis). This area plays a critical role in the transfer of oxygen to the blood.

In interstitial lung disease, damage makes it difficult for your lungs to take in oxygen from the air and deliver it to your tissues, and to remove carbon dioxide from your body.

Therefore, inflammation or hardening (fibrosis) that develops in this region can affect breathing function over time. This makes breathing difficult. You may have a chronic cough or feel constantly tired. As the damage worsens, you may experience life-threatening complications such as lung infections and respiratory failure.

There is no single cause for interstitial lung diseases. Autoimmune diseases, certain medications, environmental/dust exposures, past infections, or sometimes forms with no known cause (idiopathic) can be seen.

One of the best-known subtypes is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which is a progressive form.

The most important method in diagnosis is high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). In addition, respiratory function tests and some blood tests are used to evaluate the type and extent of the disease.

In necessary cases, a multidisciplinary approach (pulmonology, rheumatology, and radiology together) clarifies the diagnosis.

The goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease, protect lung capacity, and improve quality of life. Antifibrotic drugs can be used in some patients, and immune system-regulating treatments can be used in some cases.

Oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation are also important as supportive measures.

Interstitial lung diseases are a group of diseases that can be better controlled with early diagnosis and regular follow-up. It is especially important to evaluate in cases of prolonged dry cough and unexplained shortness of breath.