Interstitial lung diseases
Interstitial lung diseases are a large group of diseases that include fibrosis of the lung tissue Fibrosis associated with interstitial lung disease causes progressive lung damage and ultimately reduces the lung's ability to move and receive sufficient oxygen.
Interstitial lung diseases can be divided into known and unknown causes Known causes include autoimmune and rheumatologic diseases, exposure to occupational and organic irritants, medications, and radiation. Among interstitial lung diseases of unknown cause, the most common is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which is a specific and fibrotic disease, followed by idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, such as nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and sarcoidosis.
Pulmonary fibrosis is an irreversible damage Medicines can slow the progression of interstitial lung disease, but many people do not fully recover their lung function Lung transplantation is recommended in people whose interstitial lung disease worsens despite treatment
Interstitial lung disease can develop as a result of an abnormal response to an injurious factor Normally, the body produces fibrous tissue corresponding to the injury In interstitial lung disease, this process is prolonged and excess fibrotic tissue is formed, causing thickening and damage to the alveoli. This makes it difficult for oxygen to pass through the blood
Many conditions can be a trigger for interstitial lung disease These include autoimmune diseases, exposure to organic and inorganic compounds at home or at work, medications, and some types of radiation. In some cases, the cause is unknown
Occupational and environmental factors Long-term exposure to many organic and inorganic compounds can cause lung damage These are:
- Asbestos
- Bird proteins (pets and wing-replacement products)
- Coal
- Grains
- Mold in bathrooms and water damage areas
- Silicon
These include:
- Chemotherapy/immunomodulatory drugs, such as methotrexate and cyclophosphamide
- Heart drugs, such as amiodarone and propranolol
- Some antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin and sulfasalazine
- Which part of the lung was irradiated
- What dose of radiation was used
- Whether chemotherapy was also used
- Is there any other lung disease
Medical conditions
The main signs and symptoms of interstitial lung diseases are:
- Dry all over
- Shortness of breath at rest or during exercise
When to consult a doctor
By the time symptoms appear, irreversible lung damage may have already developed It is important to see a doctor as soon as breathing problems occur Many other conditions besides interstitial lung disease can damage the lungs, so accurate and timely diagnosis is important for proper treatment.
