Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an umbrella term used for a large group of diseases that cause scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. The scarring causes stiffness in the lungs which makes it difficult to breathe and get oxygen to the bloodstream. Lung damage from ILDs is often irreversible and gets worse over time.

ILD Treatments

• Medications

• Pulmonary rehabilitation

• Oxygen therapy.

• Palliative/supportive care.

Interstitial lung disease can lead to a series of life-threatening complications, including: High blood pressure in your lungs (pulmonary hypertension). Unlike systemic high blood pressure, this condition affects only the arteries in your lungs.

There is no cure for ILD. Once scarring happens in the lungs, it usually cannot be reversed. Treatment can help slow the disease down to preserve as much quality of life as possible. The prognosis for patients depends on how severe the condition is, and the cause of the ILD.