Off
About Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial lung disease is a condition that affects the air sacs within the lungs causing them to become inflamed, thickened and scarred.
When the lungs become scarred, it causes them to stiffen and makes it difficult for them to function normally and for you to get enough oxygen. We also use the term pulmonary fibrosis.
What is the cause of interstitial lung disease?
There are many causes for interstitial lung disease and they will vary from patient to patient.
Some contributing factors include:
- genetics
- environmental influences
- use of certain medications
- smoking or vaping
- certain connective tissue diseases and autoimmune conditions
For a large number of patients, the cause of their interstitial lung disease is unknown which is also called idiopathic. The aim of our clinic is to accurately diagnose which type of interstitial lung disease you have and tailor the best treatment for you.
| Interstitial lung disease with known causes |
|
|---|---|
| Interstitial lung disease with no known causes |
|
| Other |
|
What are the symptoms of interstitial lung disease?
Symptoms can include:
- Shortness of breath, especially noticeable when walking up a small incline
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
Patients with mild interstitial lung disease may not experience any noticeable symptoms for some time and often aren't aware of the changes in how their lungs function.
How is interstitial lung disease diagnosed?
It is essential that the type of interstitial lung disease is identified, and the treatment tailored to your condition.
As a patient you will undergo detailed examination and investigations to determine what type interstitial lung disease you have.
Testing may include:
- Physical examination including listening to your lungs for sounds of pulmonary fibrosis
- Blood tests to exclude causes of lung scarring detectable by blood tests
- Lung function tests to measure how your lungs are working and to track the progress of your disease over time
- Oximetry a machine placed on your finger or forehead that measures how much oxygen is in your blood
- High resolution CT scan of the chest to provide a detailed understanding of the scarring within your lungs
- Lung biopsy is used only in a very small number of patients who need a small amount of lung tissue examined under a microscope to determine the interstitial lung disease diagnosis
Our specialists will review your results and present your case at a multidisciplinary meeting. Together, a team of lung specialists, radiologists, pathologists and nurses will agree on your final diagnosis.
Treating Interstitial Lung Disease
The aim of all treatments offered by our clinic is to slow or stop the scarring process and treat any signs and symptoms. For some patients it will not be possible to stop the scarring process.
| Medications | Some of the treatments offered include antifibrotic medications and anti-inflammatory medications. Your specialist will discuss all available options with you and monitor the effectiveness of your treatment through regular clinic visits with lung function, clinical examination and monitoring blood tests. |
|---|---|
| Clinical trials | Your specialist may offer you access to experimental treatments known as clinical trials. They will discuss your suitability for trials and our group of expert clinical trials nurses will take you through the steps involved. |
| Pulmonary rehabilitation | Many of our patients will be referred for pulmonary rehabilitation (hyperlink with this section of website) which has been proven to benefit patients with interstitial lung diseases. |
| Oxygen therapy | Oxygen may be suggested for some patients who could benefit from additional oxygen to help with breathlessness. Our doctors and nurses will give you information and education about how to use this in your day-to-day life |
| Lung transplantation | For some patients, our specialists may recommend referral to discuss lung transplantation with the NSW centre based at St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst. This is not suggested for all clinic patients. |