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Interstitial Lung Disease

Overview

<p>The term &quot;interstitial lung disease&quot; (ILD) refers to a broad range of illnesses that result in lung fibrosis (scarring). As a result of the scarring, breathing becomes difficult, and oxygen delivery to the bloodstream is hindered. ILDs frequently cause permanent lung damage that progressively worsens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The term interstitial lung disease refers to a broad range of diseases, the majority of which result in the gradual scarring of the lung tissue. Lung disease-related scarring eventually impairs your ability to breathe and does not deliver enough oxygen to your bloodstream. As per estimates, the annual incidence is 30 per 100,000. In general, there are 80.9 cases per 100,000 males and 67.2 cases per 100,000 females each year<sup><a href="#accordion">[1]</a></sup>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A variety of lung illnesses, including pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease (ILD), can be challenging for both general practitioners and pulmonologists. The number of terminologies, abbreviations, and acronyms used to describe imaging patterns, histopathological results, and integrated clinical diagnoses is one of the areas of ILD that might be puzzling.</p>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<p>There are nearly 200 different kinds of interstitial lung disease. Some of the common ones are:</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Asbestosis:</strong> exposure to asbestos fibers results in lung inflammation and scarring.</li>
	<li><strong>Bronchiolitis Obliterans:</strong> a disorder that results in obstructions in the bronchioles, the tiniest airways in the lungs.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Coal Worker&rsquo;s Pneumoconiosis:</strong> pulmonary illness brought on by coal dust exposure (also called black lung disease).</li>
	<li><strong>Chronic Silicosis</strong>: an illness of the lungs brought on by inhaling mineral silica.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Connective Tissue-Related Pulmonary Fibrosis:</strong> Some patients with connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma or Sj&ouml;gren syndrome, are affected by this lung condition.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Desquamative Interstitial Pneumonitis:</strong> a smoking-related illness that causes inflammation of the lungs.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Familial Pulmonary Fibrosis:</strong> an accumulation of scar tissue in the lungs that impacts two or more family members.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP): </strong>Alveoli inflammation brought on by breathing in allergens or other irritants.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis:</strong> an unidentified condition in which the lung tissue becomes covered in scar tissue.</li>
	<li><strong>Sarcoidosis:</strong> a condition that results in the formation of tiny clusters of inflammatory cells in organs, including the lymph glands and lungs.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

Signs And Symptoms

<p>The symptoms of interstitial lung disease might vary from person to person, but the following are the most typical ones:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Shortness of breath, especially during activity</li>
	<li>Extreme tiredness and weakness</li>
	<li>Dry, hacking cough that does not produce phlegm</li>
	<li>Loss of appetite</li>
	<li>Discomfort in the chest</li>
	<li>Unexplained weight loss</li>
	<li>Bleeding in the lungs</li>
	<li>Laboured breathing, which may be fast and shallow</li>
</ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In terms of symptoms, interstitial lung illnesses might mimic other lung conditions or health issues. For a diagnosis, consult your healthcare physician.</p>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

Causes

<p>The reason for interstitial lung disease remains to be elucidated.&nbsp;The use of specific drugs, certain medical ailments, or exposure to lung-damaging toxins are all probable causes for interstitial lung disease. These probable causes can be broadly divided&nbsp; into three categories:</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h5><strong>Autoimmune Diseases</strong></h5>

<p>Your body&#39;s immune system targets and harms the lungs and other organs in the following circumstances:</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Dermatomyositis: </strong>A&nbsp;skin rash and muscular deterioration-causing inflammatory condition</li>
	<li><strong><a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/systemic-lupus-erythematosus" target="_blank">Lupus</a>:</strong> A condition in which various tissues, such as the skin, joints, and other organs, are targeted by the immune system</li>
	<li><strong>Mixed Connective Tissue Disease:</strong> A disease that shares symptoms with a number of connective tissue disorders, such as polymyositis, lupus, and scleroderma</li>
	<li><strong>Polymyositis:</strong> A disease that results in muscular inflammation</li>
	<li><strong>Vasculitis:</strong> A condition in which the body&#39;s blood vessels are inflamed and damaged</li>
	<li><strong>Rheumatoid Arthritis:</strong> A condition in which the immune system attacks the lungs, joints, and other organs</li>
	<li><strong>Scleroderma:</strong> A collection of conditions that tighten and thicken the skin and connective tissue</li>
	<li><strong>Sj&ouml;gren Syndrome:</strong> A syndrome that causes joint discomfort, dry eyes, and dry mouth</li>
</ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h5><strong>Exposure To Harmful Materials</strong></h5>

<p>Lung scarring can also result from exposure to the following pollutants at work or outside:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Animal proteins, from sources like birds</li>
	<li>Asbestos fibres</li>
	<li>Coal dust</li>
	<li>Grain dust</li>
	<li>Mould</li>
	<li>Silica dust</li>
	<li>Cigarette smoke</li>
</ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h5><strong>Drugs And Medicine</strong></h5>

<p>These medicines have the potential to harm the lungs:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>Chemotherapy drugs include azathioprine (Imuran), bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate (Trexall), and vinblastine</li>
	<li>Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, etanercept (Enbrel), and infliximab (Remicade)</li>
	<li>Medications for the heart such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Nexterone, Pacerone)</li>
	<li>Antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin (Macrobid, Macrodantin) and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)</li>
	<li>Drugs such as heroin and methadone (this drug helps people reduce or quit their use of heroin or other opiates)</li>
</ul>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

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Diagnosis

<p>Diagnosing interstitial lung disease can be challenging. However, with a thorough history and supporting test data, a clinician might be able to make a diagnosis, but for a greater diagnostic yield, they might need to work with an interdisciplinary team<sup><a href="#accordion">[1]</a></sup>.</p>

<p>The healthcare professional may also ask for pulmonary function tests in addition to a thorough medical history and physical examination. These examinations aid in determining the lungs&#39; capacity to take in and expel air. They may consist of:</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h5><strong>Spirometry</strong></h5>

<p>A spirometer is a device used to assess lung function. One of the easiest and most used examinations is spirometry. Its uses include:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Identifying the lungs&#39; capacity to breathe, hold, and move air</li>
	<li>Detection of lung ailment&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Checking the effectiveness of the treatment&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Identifying the seriousness of a lung condition</li>
	<li>Determining whether the lung condition is obstructive (reduced airflow) or restrictive (disruption of airflow)</li>
</ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h5><strong>Peak Flow Monitoring</strong></h5>

<p>The speed at which air may be expelled from the lungs is measured with this apparatus. The major airways in the lungs may gradually narrow as a result of changes brought on by diseases. This will reduce how quickly air leaves the lungs. This assessment is essential for determining the efficacy of disease management.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h5><strong>Chest X-rays</strong></h5>

<p>Internal organs, bones, and tissue are photographed during this test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h5><strong>Blood Tests</strong></h5>

<p>An arterial blood gas examination may be performed to measure carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the blood. To check for potential infections, additional blood tests might be performed.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h5><strong>CT Scan</strong></h5>

<p>This test generates axial or horizontal images of the body, sometimes called slices, using X-rays and computer technologies. CT scans are more precise than regular X-rays. For a precise ILD diagnosis, radiologic patterns using chest CT imaging are crucial.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h5><strong>Bronchoscopy</strong></h5>

<p>A bronchoscope is a flexible tube used to examine the lungs&#39; main airways (bronchi) directly. Bronchoscopy aids in evaluating and diagnosing lung conditions, inspecting obstructions, removing foreign bodies, and taking tissue or fluid samples. During bronchoscopy, a biopsy or bronchoalveolar lavage may also be performed.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h5><strong>Bronchoalveolar Lavage</strong></h5>

<p>Cell removal from the lower respiratory tract aids in identifying inflammation and ruling out potential causes.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h5><strong>Lung Biopsy</strong></h5>

<p>The removal of a small portion of lung tissue for microscopic examination. Even though a bronchoscopic lung biopsy is particularly helpful in malignant and infectious pulmonary diseases, most kinds of ILD cannot benefit from it due to the tiny size of the samples. A few exceptions do exist for example sarcoidosis can be easily identified through a biopsy.</p>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

Treatment

<p>For effective treatment, it is necessary to make a precise and accurate diagnosis of the cause of ILD. This is usually done by integrating all relevant clinical data, including:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Medical history</li>
	<li>Physical exam findings</li>
	<li>Results of autoimmune serologic testing</li>
	<li>Chest computed tomography imaging findings</li>
	<li>Histopathologic findings on lung biopsy</li>
</ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is important to note that interstitial lung disease is incurable. Therefore, treatment typically concentrates on addressing the underlying illness and reducing your symptoms. Your doctor might advise physical therapy, extra oxygen, or medicine to lessen inflammation or halt the progression of the illness.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h5><strong>General Treatment Modalities</strong></h5>

<p>These include:</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Corticosteroids:</strong> Prednisone-type medications can aid in reducing inflammation.</li>
	<li><strong>Cytotoxic And Anti-Fibrotic Medications:</strong> These drugs can reduce lung scarring. Azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, pirfenidone, and nintedanib are a few of them.</li>
	<li><strong>Biologic Medicines:&nbsp;</strong>There are times when autoimmune conditions and other causes of ILD are treated with drugs like rituximab.</li>
	<li><strong>Therapy For GERD:</strong> Since <a href="http://merisehat.pk/disease/gerd">gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)</a> can exacerbate ILD, your doctor may prescribe medications to lower stomach acid.</li>
	<li><strong>Lung Rehabilitation:</strong> Physical rehabilitation, as well as breathing exercises, can help improve lung functioning and make you breathe better.</li>
	<li><strong>Oxygen Treatment:</strong> If your blood or tissues aren&#39;t getting enough oxygen, your doctor will prescribe more of it. It enters your nose through a mask or tube.</li>
	<li><strong>Lung Transplants:</strong> Some ILD sufferers with severe disease may require lung transplants.</li>
</ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h5><strong>Specific Treatment for Some Types of ILD</strong></h5>

<p>These include<sup><a href="#accordion">[3]</a></sup>:</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Smoking-Related ILD&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>Quitting smoking is the first line of treatment for all types of lung damage brought on by inhaling tobacco or other substances. Patients with progressive forms of smoking-related interstitial lung disease should take anti-inflammatory therapy with systemic corticosteroids into account, however, it is important to note that the effectiveness of such treatment for any of the smoking-related ILD forms has not been conclusively proven.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>HP-Related ILD&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>It is unclear exactly how corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive medications affect chronic HP. Although some publications have shown little to no effect, many imply that corticosteroids improve clinical status and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Similarly, it is yet unknown how alternative immunosuppressive treatments like mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine function. According to some findings, it may be possible to anticipate a patient&#39;s response to anti-inflammatory therapy depending on radiographic characteristics that are either present or absent on the chest computed tomography (CT) at presentation.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Connective Tissue Disease-Associated ILD</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>Treatment with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs is crucial in CTD-ILD. Contrary to other ILD groups, persons with ILD secondary to CTD may respond best to immunosuppressive medication.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Occupation-Related ILD</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>There are virtually few effective treatments for established occupational ILD. While corticosteroids are often ineffective in ILD brought on by coal, silica, or asbestos, they may be somewhat effective in treating symptomatic chronic beryllium disease.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Medication-Related ILD</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>With corticosteroid therapy, many individuals will recover, although relapses are frequent when corticosteroid doses are reduced.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Idiopathic Pulmonary Related ILD</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>For many years, IPF treatment has been extremely inadequate. The therapeutic efficacy of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive medications has frequently been negligible, if not dangerous. Pirfenidone and nintedanib are two additional anti-fibrotic medications that have just received FDA approval for the treatment of IPF patients.</p>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<p>Some potentially fatal consequences of interstitial lung disease include:&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Lung Hypertension (Pulmonary Hypertension)</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>This illness doesn&#39;t influence your overall blood pressure, instead, it only affects the arteries in your lungs. The smallest blood arteries get constrained by damaged tissue or low oxygen levels, decreasing blood flow to your lungs. This, in turn, causes the pressure in the pulmonary arteries to increase. Pulmonary hypertension is a dangerous condition that deteriorates with time.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Right-Sided Heart Failure (Cor Pulmonale)</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>This dangerous illness develops when your heart&#39;s less muscular right ventricle needs to work more than average to pump blood through constricted pulmonary arteries. The increased strain eventually causes the right ventricle to fail. Pulmonary hypertension commonly has this effect.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Respiratory Failure</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>Respiratory failure develops in the final stage of chronic interstitial lung disease, where heart failure is brought on by dangerously low blood oxygen levels, and increasing pressures in the pulmonary arteries and the right ventricle.</p>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<p>The following risk factors may make you more vulnerable to developing interstitial lung disease:</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Age</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>While infants and children can occasionally get interstitial lung disease; adults are significantly more likely to be affected by the condition.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Exposure To Toxins At Work And In The Environment</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>Your chance of developing interstitial lung disease increases if you work in mining, agriculture, construction, or for any other reason and are exposed to chemicals known to harm your lungs.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Stomach Acid Reflux Disease&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>You may have a higher chance of developing interstitial lung disease if you experience uncontrolled acid reflux or indigestion.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Smoking</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>Some types of interstitial lung disease are more common in people who have smoked in the past, and continuing to smoke can exacerbate the illness, particularly if emphysema is present.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Chemotherapy And Radiotherapy</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>Lung disease seems more likely to occur if you have chest radiation therapy or use certain chemotherapy medicines.</p>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Stop&nbsp; Smoking</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Smoking destroys your lungs and raises your chance of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/lung-cancer-67" target="_blank">lung cancer</a> and <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/copd" target="_blank">COPD</a>, among other ailments. This is due to the release of hazardous compounds into your lungs while burning materials (toxins and carcinogens). Don&#39;t start smoking if you have never done so. It is never too late to stop smoking if you are currently a smoker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Increase Awareness Among Kids&nbsp;</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Ensure children are aware of the risks associated with smoking and set an example by quitting smoking.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Avoid Second- And Third-Hand Smoke&nbsp;</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>You have a higher chance of developing the same illnesses as smokers when breathing in cigarette and pipe smoke. Don&#39;t let others smoke in your house, automobile, or place of employment. Avoid third-hand smoke, the residue of cigarette vapors that attach to walls and furniture and combine with indoor pollutants to generate compounds that harm the lungs. Tidy up your carpets. Apply low-volatile organic paint on the walls. Book a non-smoking hotel room.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Wash Your Hands&nbsp;</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>To keep germs away and prevent the majority of infectious diseases that are typically communicated by hand, wash thoroughly using soap and water multiple times daily.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Cover Your Nose And Mouth&nbsp;</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Whenever you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth using a tissue to help prevent the spread of germs. Avoid crowded areas during the height of the cold and flu season, get lots of rest, eat healthy, and manage your stress.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Convert Your Fireplace&nbsp;</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Your lungs can suffer significant harm from the particle matter in garbage and wood. Change to a cleaner-burning gas, install an electric fireplace, or install a gas insert, if possible.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Clean House&nbsp;</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Mold, pet dander, air fresheners, and building materials are all potential sources of contamination. When cooking, switch on the exhaust fan and stay away from aerosols like hairspray. Replace the furnace&#39;s air filter every season.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Check Your Home For Radon</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>The second biggest cause of lung disease after smoking is radon gas, a naturally found radioactive gas created by decomposing uranium in the ground. Radon gas is a silent killer. Check out if your house or place of employment has a lot of radon. Through foundational and structural flaws, radon can enter the home.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Wear A Mask&nbsp;</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Employees may be exposed to significant amounts of dust, fumes, smoke, gases, vapors, or mists in the workplace. Disease-causing factors can include inadequate ventilation, cramped workspaces, and rising temperatures. Toxic vapors from chemicals, solvents, and paints should be avoided inhaling. When using chemicals, wear a mask for protection and report any harmful working conditions. Attend lung screenings and other workplace-sponsored health initiatives.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Talk To Your Doctor&nbsp;</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Consult your doctor if you suffer from any of the following symptoms: difficulty or pain while breathing, lightheadedness after changing activities, a persistent cough, wheezing or coughing while exercising, or airway pain. Collaborate with your doctor to control symptoms and flare-ups if you have a chronic lung condition like asthma or <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/copd" target="_blank">COPD</a>.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Take The Stairs&nbsp;</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>To reduce the strain on your lungs and improve the effectiveness of oxygen delivery and metabolism, engage in some form of physical activity for 30 minutes each day. You can cycle around your neighborhood or take a stroll all around the building.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Avoid Exposure To Air Pollution&nbsp;</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>People suffering from respiratory conditions like asthma and <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/copd" target="_blank">COPD </a>should pay close attention to the number of particulates, which are tiny solid or liquid particles in the air, and limit their outside exposure when levels are high.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Get Vaccinated&nbsp;</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Although healthy people also gain from vaccinations, this is crucial if you have lung problems. Pneumonia vaccination is also advised if you have severe lung disease or are older than 65.</p>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h5><strong><a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/covid-19" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> mRNA Vaccine-Related Interstitial Lung Disease: Two Case Reports And Literature Review<sup><a href="#accordion">[4]</a></sup></strong></h5>

<p>There were two cases of ILD caused by the COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. One exhibited ILD at the underlying level and cryobiopsy in one case provided pathological confirmation of vaccine-related ILD. Both responded well to corticosteroid therapy.</p>

<p>Seven <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/covid-19" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> mRNA vaccine-related ILD cases have been identified to date. In the majority of patients, fever developed within a few days of the immunization. All patients improved with steroid medication, despite the intubation of two patients. 2 patients had ILD, and all patients were over 60 years old and belonged to Asian countries, including Korea and Japan.</p>

<p>This is the first instance of pathologically verified ILD following a<a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/covid-19" target="_blank"> COVID-19</a> vaccine that has been documented. Physicians should constantly examine the likelihood of vaccination-related lung harm if systemic or respiratory symptoms appear after immunization as the number of <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/severe-acute-respiratory-infection-sari" target="_blank">SARS</a>-CoV-2 vaccinations rises.</p>

<h4>&nbsp;</h4>

<h5><strong>Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease<sup><a href="#accordion">[5]</a></sup></strong></h5>

<p>An up-to-date, practical overview of the management of SSc-ILD is provided in the present studies. The expert opinion continues to be a crucial source of medical guidance even as therapeutic choices grow. The list of available treatments has recently grown to include two FDA-approved drugs for SSc-ILD. Patient care should be based on disease severity, risk of progression, and activity of pulmonary illness. Tocilizumab has been beneficial in patients with subclinical ILD but with a high risk of progression.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), tocilizumab effectively reduces lung function loss over a broad spectrum of lung involvement, indicating that it can be used in clinical ILD with a spectrum of underlying lung involvement.</p>

<p>Nintedanib may be used as the first-line treatment for systemic sclerosis ILD (SSc-ILD), but it should only be used in patients with the minimal extrapulmonary disease (a rare occurrence in early SSc) or as a component of upfront combination treatment for progressive SSc-ILD in patients who seem to be candidates for HSCT.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Clinical ILD should also be treated with immunosuppressive medication such as MMF (mycophenolate mofetil). MMF has the potential to gradually improve pulmonary function in the majority of patients.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Breathlessness is the most frequent sign of ILDs. The disease may also present with dry cough, chest pain, exhaustion, and weight loss.</li>
	<li>ILD can be brought on by a wide range of exposures from the environment, activities, the workplace, or medications. It can also be brought on by one of the various systemic autoimmune or connective tissue illnesses.</li>
	<li>Your doctor will likely request a chest X-ray or CT scan to better look at your lungs to identify an ILD.</li>
	<li>The best course of treatment depends on the type and severity of an ILD.</li>
</ul>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

[1] Antoine M, Mlika M. Interstitial lung disease. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.

[2] Jakubczyc A, Neurohr C. [Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Lung Diseases]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2018 Dec;143(24):1774–7.

[3] Kalchiem-Dekel O, Galvin JR, Burke AP, Atamas SP, Todd NW. Interstitial Lung Disease and Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Practical Approach for  General Medicine Physicians with Focus on the Medical History. J Clin Med. 2018 Nov;7(12).

[4] So C, Izumi S, Ishida A, Hirakawa R, Kusaba Y, Hashimoto M, et al. COVID-19 mRNA vaccine-related interstitial lung disease: Two case reports and literature review. Respirol Case Reports. 2022;10(4):e0938.

[5] Khanna D, Lescoat A, Roofeh D, Bernstein EJ, Kazerooni EA, Roth MD, et al. Systemic Sclerosis--Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: How to Incorporate Two Food and Drug Administration--Approved Therapies in Clinical Practice. Arthritis \& Rheumatol. 2022;74(1):13–27.