DISEASE SCANNER
Global Incurable Diseases Tracker
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
A large group of disorders characterized by inflammation and scarring of the interstitium (tissue and space around air sacs). Includes over 200 different conditions, many of unknown cause. Progressive fibrosis leads to impaired gas exchange and respiratory failure.
5.0M
16
Symptoms
Treatment Options
Risk Factors
Diagnostic Methods
- 1High-resolution CT
- 2Pulmonary function tests
- 3Bronchoscopy with BAL
- 4Surgical lung biopsy
- 5Autoimmune serologies
- 6Genetic testing (for familial forms)
Prognosis
Highly variable by subtype. Usual interstitial pneumonia pattern (IPF-like): 3-5 year median survival. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia: better prognosis with treatment. Connective tissue-related: depends on underlying disease control.
Prevention
- Avoid environmental/occupational exposures
- Smoking cessation
- Prompt treatment of underlying autoimmune diseases
- Avoid nephrotoxic medications when possible
Research Status
Antifibrotics for progressive fibrotic ILD. Immunosuppressants for inflammatory forms. Oxygen, pulmonary rehab, transplant. Treatment depends on specific ILD subtype.
Affected Countries
Sources
- https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/interstitial-lung-disease
- https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
- https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.