What is Interstitial Lung Disease ?

Introduction

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) refers to a wide range of conditions that cause scarring and inflammation (fibrosis) of tissues surrounding the air sacs of the lung. The scarring of the lung affects its capacity to pump oxygen to the bloodstream and which makes breathing difficult. There are a variety of types of ILD and some are caused by environmental factors and others are caused by idiopathic factors (having no specific root). ILD is either chronic or acute and is typically an ongoing condition that becomes worse in time if it is not effectively treated.

What’s Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)?

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a set of more than 200 lung diseases which primarily target the interstitium tissue, and the space surrounding the alveoli (air sacs) of the lung. Inflammation of lung’s interstitial tissue may lead to scarring and thickening, eventually affecting the function of the lungs. In ILD the air sacs are less effective in transferring oxygen to the bloodstream, which results in breathing problems, particularly during exercise.

ILDs are complex, with specific types being more receptive to treatment than other. The ILDs group may be termed “pulmonary fibrosis” however not all ILDs cause fibrosis.

The reasons behind Interstitial Lung Disease

ILD’s causes ILD differ widely and in a few cases, the root cause is unidentified. However, the condition is usually classified in two types: idiopathic (unknown causes) or the secondary (caused due to another illness (or exposure).

1. Idiopathic Interstitial Lung Disease (IIP) :- The most prevalent type of idiopathic interstitial lung diseases is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), which has no identifiable cause. Other types that are a part of IIP comprise nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis (NSIP) and the cryptogenic organ spiral pneumonia (COP) and desquamative inflammatory pneumonia (DIP).

2. Second Interstitial Lung Disease :- Secondary ILDs are the result of a different disease or ailment. This includes:

• Autoimmune disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, lupus as well as scleroderma could cause ILD as a manifesting symptoms.

• Exposures to occupational hazards chronic exposure to harmful substances such as asbestos, silica dust as well as coal dust could cause ILD, which is often seen in the fields of mining, construction, or manufacturing.

• Medicines Certain medications such as chemotherapy drugs and certain antibiotics, may cause lung damage, which can lead to ILD.

• Infections The following are viral, bacterial or fungal infections which affect the lungs may result in interstitial lung disease when left untreated.

• Exposures to environmental substances long-term exposure to allergens or toxins in the environment like mold or bird droppings, could result in an allergic pneumonitis which is a form of ILD.

The symptoms that are a sign of Interstitial Lung Disease

The signs and symptoms of ILD are different depending on the severity and type of the condition. Initial symptoms can be mild but they are likely to get worse as time passes. The most frequent symptoms are:

1. Breath Shortness (Dyspnea) :- One of the first and most prominent indicators that are a sign of ILD is breathlessness in particular during physical exercise. As the disease progresses everyday activities like walking up stairs could leave people feeling tired.

2. Chronic Cough :- Dry cough that persists is another symptom of ILD. The cough is not responsive well to the usual cough treatment and can worsen with exercise.

3. Fatigue :- A general feeling of not being well is typical. When the lungs get less efficient at transferring oxygen, patients might feel weak and tired even after a short period of activity.

4. Tightness or Chest Discomfort :- A few people might suffer from chest pains or a sensation of tightness that can get worse when you exert yourself.

5. Fingers are clubbed :- In certain instances, ILD can cause a condition called clubbing that is where fingers and toes are larger and round. It could be a sign of chronic low levels of oxygen.

Diagnostics of Interstitial Lung Disease

Finding out if you have ILD can be a challenge due to the wide range of symptoms and the potential for overlap with other lung diseases. To establish a diagnosis doctors will use various diagnostic tools:

1. Physical Examination and medical history :- The first step to diagnose ILD is an exhaustive physical examination that includes a thorough examination of symptoms as well as a medical background. The doctor may also inquire about possible occupational or environmental exposures.

2. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) :- The tests are designed to determine how the lungs function. They measure the volume of the lungs, their capacity as well as how effectively oxygen is taken in. Spirometry is a particular type of PFT, assists in determining the severity of lung dysfunction.

3. CT Scan and Chest X ray :- A chest X ray offers an initial view of the lungs. A High-resolution CT scan gives a more detailed image, allowing doctors to identify the signs of fibrosis or inflammation inside the lung. It is the CT scan is essential in identifying ILD and distinguishing the condition from those of other lung disorders.

4. A Bronchoscopy as well as a Lung Biopsy :- In some instances there are occasions when it is possible to perform a bronchoscopy (a procedure whereby the tube is inserted in the airways to take samples) could be carried out to take tissues to analyze. An Lung biopsy is possible in cases where the diagnosis is unclear.

5. Blood Tests :- It is common for blood tests to be used to detect an autoimmune disease or infection that could cause ILD. It can also aid in identifying particular markers associated with ILD subtypes.

Conclusion

Interstitial Lung Disorder is one of the groups of diseases that cause scarring and inflammation of the lung, making breathing difficult. It is caused by a range of causes, such as the environment, autoimmune diseases as well as idiopathic causes. Although ILD isn’t always curable but early detection, effective treatment and lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms and improve your health of the sufferer. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately to determine the cause and treatment.