Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a serious condition characterized by the fibrosis of the lung parenchyma, which can significantly impact respiratory functions.
ILD arises from various causes, including connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and scleroderma, as well as environmental factors like smoking, and exposure to pigeons, other animals, and certain types of hay. In some cases, the cause of ILD remains idiopathic, meaning it is unknown.
Diagnosing ILD involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes patient history, CT scans, blood marker analysis, pulmonary function tests (PFT), and sometimes bronchoscopy.
Treatment strategies primarily focus on addressing the underlying cause. For instance, in cases linked to connective tissue diseases, controlling the primary disease is crucial.
Some specific types of ILD, such as Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP) and Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP), are known to respond well to steroids. In severe, end-stage cases, a lung transplant may be considered as a viable treatment option.
For those in Jodhpur seeking expert care in managing ILD, Dr. Sumita Agrawal – Pulmonologist offers specialized pulmonary services, ensuring patients receive the best possible outcomes based on the latest therapeutic advances.