Overview
Interstitial lung disease usually develops slowly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow its progression.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath that gets worse over time
- A persistent dry cough
- Tiredness
- Clubbing of the fingertips
- Weight loss
Causes and risk factors
Causes include autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, exposure to dusts and chemicals, bird or mould exposure, some medicines and radiotherapy. Sometimes no cause is found.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis uses a high-resolution CT scan, lung function tests and sometimes a bronchoscopy or lung biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment may include medicines that reduce inflammation or slow scarring, oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation and avoiding triggers. Lung transplant may be considered in severe cases.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have breathlessness or a dry cough that lasts more than a few weeks.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
