Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a name for a group of diseases that cause thickening of the tissues between the air sacs of the lungs. It can be acute or chronic. It includes different lung conditions, all of which affect the interstitium, which is a network of tissues covering the lungs and helps exchange of gases between blood and the air in the lungs.

The interstitium can be thickened due to inflammation, scarring or filling up of fluid in the lungs. These conditions make it hard for oxygen to get absorbed into your blood. Low oxygen levels can cause you to feel short of breath, particularly when walking or exercising. There are several types of interstitial lung diseases, such as:

• Interstitial pneumonia which is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi

• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis which is a chronic form of the disease and the exact cause is unknown

• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which is caused by inhalation of dust, moulds etc.

• Acute interstitial pneumonitis, which is a sudden and severe form of ILD, and often requires life support

• Desquamative interstitial pneumonia, which is caused by smoking

• Sarcoidosis, which affects the heart, skin, nerve or eyes

• Occupational lung diseases like asbestosis, which is caused by inhalation of dust, chemicals and proteins

When to seek expert advise

​If you are experiencing breathlessness after normal everyday tasks, or during activities that did not cause it before, consult a doctor for further investigations. Constant fatigue that is unresolved by rest also demands attention. Do not ignore your symptoms and consult with your physician immediately.

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