Lung diseases are life-threatening as they can scar your lungs for an extended period, if not a lifetime. One of the most common lung diseases is Interstitial lung disease, caused due to exposure to hazardous substances like asbestos.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like dry cough, shortness of breath, and others, read this article till the end. Today, we will discuss Interstitial lung disease in detail. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is Interstitial Lung Disease?
Interstitial lung disease, abbreviated as ILD, is a broad term that includes nearly 200 health conditions resulting in scarring and lung inflammation. ILD damages the tissues between the alveoli and all blood vessels around the tiny air sacs. It restricts the flow of oxygen from the lungs into the body.
In medical terms, interstitial lung disease is commonly known as diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD). Due to this condition, it becomes difficult for patients to breathe, resulting in life-threatening diseases, including respiratory failure and lung infections. You can avail amarillo interstitial lung disease treatment to improve your disease.
Symptoms Of Interstitial Lung Disease
- Shortness of breath
- Continuous fatigue or excretion
- Dry cough
- Chest discomfort
- Unusual sounds every time you breathe
- Chest pain
- Clubbing of your toes and fingers
Causes Of Interstitial Lung Disease
It often becomes nearly impossible for healthcare experts to identify the cause of Interstitial lung disease. In such a condition, this disease is named idiopathic interstitial lung disease. However, there are specific reasons for Interstitial lung disease, including certain medications, medical treatments, exposure to toxic substances that negatively impact your lungs, and more.
Majorly the causes of Interstitial lung disease are classified into three major groups. These include:
- Autoimmune conditions are where the immune system of the body gets damaged.
- Any exposure to toxic work environments or substances results in Interstitial lung disease. It includes coal dust, tobacco smoke, silica dust, mold, and more.
- Certain medications, such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc, damage the lungs.
Treatments For Interstitial Lung Disease
Once you have suffered from Interstitial lung disease, it is nearly impossible to reverse the condition. You can only slow the disease’s progression or prevent future scarring. Your healthcare expert may suggest a few Interstitial lung disease treatments to control this disease. It includes:
- Supplemental oxygen enhances the overall oxygen levels if they are too low.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs like steroid prednisone minimize lung inflammation.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation enhances the overall ability to perform exercises and other activity levels.
- Immune-suppressing drugs are used to eliminate immune system attacks to avoid further damage.
- Antifibrotic drugs like pirfenidone (Esbriet) and nintedanib (Ovef) eliminate the chances of future lung scarring.
Wrap Up
There are many causes of Interstitial lung disease; however, no permanent solution can reverse this condition. It is best to stick to preventive measures like avoiding breathing hazardous substances and more to avoid such lung conditions.