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• Interstitial lung diseases are chronic disorders affecting the tissue between the air sacs, walls and surrounding blood vessels of the lungs. Interstitial lung disease causes scarring, tissue damage and inflammation. While most interstitial lung diseases progress over time, some have a rapid onset. Many instances of interstitial lung disease have no known cause. The most common symptom of interstitial lung disease is inflammation.American lung Association: Interstitial Lung Disease Merck Manuals: Interstitial Lung Diseases Mayo Clinic: Interstitial Lung Disease

• Fast Facts

  1. Also known as: Infiltrative or diffuse parenchymal lung diseaseMerck Manuals: Interstitial Lung Diseases
  2. Varieties: over 130WrongDiagnosis: Interstitial lung disease
  3. Self-care: Exercise, stop smoking, pulmonary rehabilitationCNN.com: Interstitial lung disease
  4. Onset of symptoms: Usually after irreversible lung damageMedlinePlus: Causes
  5. Risk factor: SmokingMedlinePlus: Causes

• Symptoms

  Interstitial lung disease symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, dry cough, chest pain and rapid breathing. Oxygen deficiency can result in a bluish color to the skin as well as clubbed fingers.MedlinePlus: Symptoms

• Causes

  Interstitial lung disease can be the result of another disease, such as lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis or interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.

  Interstitial lung disease can also develop due to exposure to gases, fumes, bird droppings and mold. radiation therapy, parasites and viral infections could also lead to interstitial lung disease.Merck Manuals: Causes of Interstitial Lung Diseases

• Treatment

  Treatment for interstitial lung disease is determined by the cause. Drug-based treatments include anti-inflammatories, cytotoxics and anti-fibrotics. Oxygen therapy, lung rehabilitation and lung transplant may be necessary.Mayo Clinic: Treatments and Drugs

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Interstitial Lung Disease, please consult your doctor.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Lung Disease | Lungs | Respiratory System | Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis | Popcorn Lung | Clubbed Fingers | Lung Transplant | Pulmonary Fibrosis | Emphysema | Pneumonia | Blood | Lung Cancer | Scleroderma | COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis | Esophageal Cancer

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