Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
A CT scan produces clear pictures of bones, muscles, tissue, organs, blood vessels and the brain that a regular X-ray cannot show.
Interstitial Lung Disease
Breathe easier with treatment and management for your lung condition
The medical term interstitium refers to the fluid and space between cells and tissue. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a term used to describe a diverse group of inflammatory and fibrotic disorders impacting the space (interstitium) between the air sacs of the lungs. As a result of this injury, individuals with ILD commonly develop dry cough, shortness of breath, and sometimes low oxygen levels.
Interstitial lung disease can be the result of a broad range of conditions, including systemic illness as well as environmental exposure. However, a significant proportion arises from an unknown cause.
Lung inflammation and injury impacting the interstitial space can occur following environmental exposures, systemic illnesses, and certain drugs, to name a few. As a result, the interstitial tissue may become scarred. Extensive scarring leads to stiffness in your lungs and keeps them from functioning correctly.
Causes
Interstitial lung disease can be caused by:
- Air pollution
- Drugs, including smoking, prescription medications, and chemotherapy
- Existing medical conditions, particularly autoimmune disorders such as lupus, scleroderma, myositis, mixed connective tissue disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren syndrome.
- Genetics
- Radiation
- Sarcoidosis
In many cases, the cause of a particular interstitial lung disease cannot be determined. Interstitial lung diseases vary greatly in severity, symptoms and how quickly they progress.
Overview
Lung inflammation and injury impacting the interstitial space can occur following environmental exposures, systemic illnesses, and certain drugs, to name a few. As a result, the interstitial tissue may become scarred. Extensive scarring leads to stiffness in your lungs and keeps them from functioning correctly.
Causes
Interstitial lung disease can be caused by:
- Air pollution
- Drugs, including smoking, prescription medications, and chemotherapy
- Existing medical conditions, particularly autoimmune disorders such as lupus, scleroderma, myositis, mixed connective tissue disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren syndrome.
- Genetics
- Radiation
- Sarcoidosis
In many cases, the cause of a particular interstitial lung disease cannot be determined. Interstitial lung diseases vary greatly in severity, symptoms and how quickly they progress.
Diagnostic tests to determine interstitial lung disease include:
Computed Tomography (CT) Scans
CT scans give physicians detailed images of your lungs to help diagnose any lung disease.
Bronchoscopy
A procedure using a flexible scope to evaluate the inside of the lungs and sample fluid and/or tissue, which can provide some insights that may help make a diagnosis.
Lung Biopsy
A small piece of lung tissue is removed and examined for signs of pulmonary fibrosis.
Pulmonary Function Tests
These are diagnostic tools that evaluate your lung volume and your ability to absorb oxygen through the lungs. Learn more about pulmonary function tests.
Case Review Meeting
At IU Health, lung disease doctors regularly meet with specialists from their care team to talk about new or difficult cases. They work together to make the best diagnosis and treatment plan for each patient.Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests to determine interstitial lung disease include:
Computed Tomography (CT) Scans
CT scans give physicians detailed images of your lungs to help diagnose any lung disease.
Bronchoscopy
A procedure using a flexible scope to evaluate the inside of the lungs and sample fluid and/or tissue, which can provide some insights that may help make a diagnosis.
Lung Biopsy
A small piece of lung tissue is removed and examined for signs of pulmonary fibrosis.
Pulmonary Function Tests
These are diagnostic tools that evaluate your lung volume and your ability to absorb oxygen through the lungs. Learn more about pulmonary function tests.
Case Review Meeting
At IU Health, lung disease doctors regularly meet with specialists from their care team to talk about new or difficult cases. They work together to make the best diagnosis and treatment plan for each patient.Interstitial lung disease is treated by a pulmonologist, a physician who specializes in lung diseases. IU Health provides the full spectrum of treatment and services you need to breathe better, including:
Management of Conditions
If you are diagnosed with lung disease, IU Health pulmonologists will work with you to manage your condition through pulmonary rehabilitation, medications and lifestyle changes.
Oxygen Therapy
If your lungs are not properly absorbing oxygen due to damage, oxygen therapy may help your body function better.
Prescription Medications
Some medications reduce lung inflammation and lessen the amount of scarring caused by interstitial lung diseases.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are often offered at Indiana University and can provide patients with opportunities to access new and effective treatments that can advance the understanding and treatment of ILD.
Lung Transplant
In very severe cases, a lung transplant may be necessary to treat interstitial lung disease. IU Health is the only healthcare system that performs lung transplants in Indiana.
Treatment
Interstitial lung disease is treated by a pulmonologist, a physician who specializes in lung diseases. IU Health provides the full spectrum of treatment and services you need to breathe better, including:
Management of Conditions
If you are diagnosed with lung disease, IU Health pulmonologists will work with you to manage your condition through pulmonary rehabilitation, medications and lifestyle changes.
Oxygen Therapy
If your lungs are not properly absorbing oxygen due to damage, oxygen therapy may help your body function better.
Prescription Medications
Some medications reduce lung inflammation and lessen the amount of scarring caused by interstitial lung diseases.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are often offered at Indiana University and can provide patients with opportunities to access new and effective treatments that can advance the understanding and treatment of ILD.
Lung Transplant
In very severe cases, a lung transplant may be necessary to treat interstitial lung disease. IU Health is the only healthcare system that performs lung transplants in Indiana.
National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute
This National Institutes of Health website features information on diagnosis and treatment of interstitial lung disease.
American Lung Association
This website provides in-depth resources on understanding and living with interstitial lung disease.
Resources
National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute
This National Institutes of Health website features information on diagnosis and treatment of interstitial lung disease.
American Lung Association
This website provides in-depth resources on understanding and living with interstitial lung disease.