Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a broad category of disorders that lead to scarring (fibrosis) within the lung tissue. This scarring results in the lungs becoming stiff and less flexible, making it harder to breathe and to transfer oxygen into the blood. In most cases, the lung damage caused by ILDs is permanent and tends to progress over time.
Symptoms of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
The most common symptom
- Shortness of breath, which typically worsens over time
- Persistent dry cough
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
In many cases, by the time these symptoms are noticeable, significant lung damage has already occurred
Potentially life-threatening complications
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Cardiac complications
- Respiratory failure