Structural & Vascular
Interstitial Lung Diseases / Lung Fibrosis
Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a group of conditions that cause scarring (fibrosis) of the lung tissue, making the lungs stiff and reducing the ability to breathe. While some forms are progressive, early diagnosis and the right treatment can slow the course of the disease significantly and preserve quality of life.
Symptoms to Watch
- Shortness of breath that gradually worsens over months or years
- Dry, persistent cough that does not produce mucus
- Fatigue during ordinary tasks such as walking or climbing stairs
- Crackling sounds heard at the base of the lungs on examination
- Unintentional weight loss
- Clubbing of the fingertips — widening and rounding of the fingertip (in some cases)
- Low oxygen levels on exertion
How We Diagnose
- 1High-resolution CT scan (HRCT) — the key imaging investigation for ILD
- 2Pulmonary function tests to measure lung volume, capacity, and gas transfer
- 3Six-minute walk test to assess exercise tolerance and oxygen desaturation
- 4Blood tests including autoimmune markers to identify underlying causes such as rheumatoid arthritis
- 5Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage to sample cells from the lung
- 6Surgical lung biopsy in selected cases where the diagnosis remains uncertain
Your Treatment Plan
- Antifibrotic medications — pirfenidone or nintedanib — to slow progression of IPF
- Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants for inflammatory and autoimmune-driven ILDs
- Long-term oxygen therapy if oxygen levels are consistently low at rest or on exertion
- Pulmonary rehabilitation to maintain fitness and independence
- Treatment of the underlying cause where identified — for example, RA or sarcoidosis
- Lung transplant referral in appropriate candidates with advanced, end-stage disease
When to See a Doctor
See Dr. Shah if you have progressively worsening shortness of breath or a dry cough lasting more than a few weeks — early evaluation is critical in ILD.