WHAT IS INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE?
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is an umbrella term that refers to a large group of disorders that causes progressive scarring of the lung tissue. The progressive nature of the disease eventually affects the ability of the lungs to function properly. Interstitial lung disease is also known as restrictive lung disease, meaning that the disease inhibits a patients ability to breathe effectively and efficiently through the scarring of the lungs. Patients with ILD can develop breathing difficulties which causes lower oxygen saturation in the blood. When and if this occurs, patients may require supplemental oxygen therapy.
WHAT IS AN INTERSTITIUM?
The interstitium is a thin matrix of supportive tissue that surrounds the small air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs as well as other vital structures that perform cellular functions. A normal interstitium is so thin it is usually not visible on x-ray or imaging; however, in patients with Interstitial Lung Disease, the interstitium is thickened and therefore visible on x-ray or CT scan. The thickened interstitium is a result of an abnormal accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lung tissue which causes the symptoms of ILD.
CAUSES OF ILD
The most common and severe form of ILD is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) which generally affects people over the age of 60 and has no known cause. ILD can be triggered by other health disorders such as autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, lupus and sarcoidosis. Additional causes include: exposure and inhalation of harmful particles like coal dust, asbestosis, tobacco smoke and other caustic chemicals, as well as a family history.
SYMPTOMS OF ILD
All forms of ILD cause the interstitium to thicken. A thickening of the interstitium, caused by inflammation and scar tissue, eventually affects the performance of the lungs by impairing the ability to oxygenate the bloodstream. As the lungs become less efficient, additional complications can occur such as pulmonary hypertension or high blood pressure in the lungs.
Patients with ILD may experience the following symptoms:
Labored breathing which may be fast and shallow
Shortness of breath
Exercise intolerance
Cough, unproductive and dry
Unexplained weight loss
TYPES OF INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE
There are several types of acute and chronic interstitial lung disease including:
Interstitial pneumonia caused when the interstitium is infected with a bacteria, virus or fungi
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic form of ILD which occurs when the scarring in the lungs has no known origin
Drug-induced interstitial lung disease occurs when exposure to certain medications causes inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue
Nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis is an ILD that affects people with an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis occurs when the patient has been breathing lung irritants like mold, coal dust, grain dust, silica dust and talc for extended periods of time
Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis is usually associated with smoking
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease process that can potentially affect several organ systems including the heart, skin and lymph nodes as well as the lungs
Asbestosis is an interstitial lung disease caused by breathing asbestos fibers
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOR INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE
The symptoms of ILD can often mimic other lung conditions such as pneumonia which can make the diagnosis of ILD a more challenging process. If ILD is suspected, your physician will likely refer you to a pulmonologist for an extensive battery of testing. A wide range of tests will provide your pulmonologist with data to help determine what type of ILD you may or may not have.
The treatment for ILD is limited as the disease is progressive and there is no known cure. The scarring of the lung tissue cannot be reversed; however, some anti-fibrotic medications may slow the disease progression. Oxygen therapy is recommended for active patients to help make breathing easier and prevent low blood oxygen levels. Oxygen therapy can help improve sleep and the quality of life for patients with ILD.
Types of testing include:
Blood tests
CT Scan
Echocardiogram
Spirometry and diffusion capacity
Oximetry
Bronchoscopy
Surgical biopsy
HOW LUNG HEALTH SERVICES CAN HELP
Lung Health Services offer expert guidance in the management of Interstitial Lung Diseases. Dr. Nina Maouelainin stays abreast on the latest and most effective treatment modalities to help improve the quality of life for her patients. Our team utilizes the latest technology available in remote patient monitoring to identify instances when certain health parameters are outside of the normal range. This advanced technology helps improve patient health outcomes, empowers patients to monitor and manage their symptoms and helps predict exacerbations.
Lung Health Services treats patients at their Pennsylvania location. Dr. Nina Maouelainin also sees patients through telemedicine and virtual appointments. If you are interested in learning more about how Lung Health Services can help you with a recent diagnosis, call (267) 500-5027 today.
