Interstitial lung disease is used to describe certain inflammation of interstitium of lungs. Interstitium is the tissue which separates and surrounds the alveolae (tiny air sacs) in lungs. This disease involves inflammation of the supportive tissue between alveolae instead of inflammation in alveolae themselves. Typically, interstitial is a diffuse which effects whole lungs and is not confined to particular location. This is also called idiopathic pulmonary pneumonitis, alveolitis, diffuce parenchymal lung disease and cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis.
Causes of Interstitial Lung Disease:
Interstitial lung disease is caused due to swelling and scarring of alveoli and supporting structures, that is interstitium. This results in low levels of oxygen in blood. Causes of interstitial lung disease are classified as follows:
- Inhaled substances
- Hypersenstivity pneumonitis
- Asbestosis
- Silicosis
- Berylliosis
- Drug induced causes
- Statins
- Antibiotics
- Antiarrhythmic agents
- Chemotherapeutic drugs
- Infection
- Tuberculosis
- Atypical pneumonia
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- Pneumocytis pneumonia
- Chlamydia Trachomatis
- Connective tissue disease
- Polymyositis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic sclerosis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Dermatomyositis
- Malignancy
- Lymphangitic carcinomatosis
- Idiopathic
- Hamman Rich syndrome
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- Sarcoidosis
Symptoms of Interstitial Lung Disease:
Interstitial lung disease symptoms include:
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Abnormal enlargement of fingernails base, known as clubbing.
- Fingernails, skin and lips turn to blue color because of low oxygen levels in blood. This is called cyanosis.
- Decreased tolerance for activity
Diagnosis for Interstitial Lung Disease:
The doctor performs physical examination. Dry and crackling breath sounds are heard while listening to chest with stethoscope. Nasal flaring is also observed by the doctor.
Following tests are performed.
- Chest X-ray
- Pulmonary function tests
- Blood tests for checking connective tissue diseases
- Lung biopsy
- Bronchoscopy
- CT scan of chest
- Measurement of oxygen levels while resting or exertion
Treatment for Interstitial Lung Disease:
Treatment is given based on the cause of disease. Often, health care provider prescribes NSAIDs, like corticosteroids or immunosuppressing drugs. Therapy is recommended to make the patient feel comfortable. This also helps patients with low oxygen levels in blood receive oxygen. Patients in final stage are suggested to undergo lung rehabilitation.
