Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) / Pulmonary Fibrosis

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), including conditions like Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), can be challenging to live with. It causes progressive scarring of the lungs, leading to breathlessness and a dry cough. At Premier Lung & Sleep Institute, our team provides expert, compassionate care for patients with ILD, offering precise diagnosis and the latest treatments to help manage your condition.

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What is Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)?

ILD is a group of conditions that cause inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) in the lung tissue—specifically the tiny air sacs (alveoli) and the supporting structures. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a common form of ILD where the cause is unknown. Other types can be linked to autoimmune diseases, environmental exposures, or certain medications.

Signs & Symptoms

ILD symptoms often develop slowly and can include:

  • Breathlessness with activity, which may start with simple tasks and worsen over time.
  • A persistent, dry cough.
  • Fatigue and a feeling of being unwell.
  • During a physical exam, your doctor may hear “Velcro-like” crackles in your lungs. Some patients also develop “clubbing” of their fingernails.

Diagnosis

A proper diagnosis is critical to developing an effective treatment plan. Our comprehensive evaluation includes:

  • Detailed history: We take the time to discuss your work, hobbies, and potential environmental exposures.
  • High-Resolution CT (HRCT): This specialized CT scan provides detailed images of your lungs to identify scarring and inflammation.
  • Blood tests: We may perform blood work to check for autoimmune diseases or other underlying causes.
  • Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): These tests track changes in your lung capacity and oxygen levels over time.
  • Multidisciplinary discussion: In complex cases, we may consult with a team of experts, and sometimes a bronchoscopy or lung biopsy is needed.

Treatment & Self-Care

While lung scarring cannot be reversed, treatments and self-care strategies can help manage the condition and improve your quality of life.

  • Antifibrotic therapy: For IPF and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF), we may prescribe antifibrotic medications to slow the rate of lung decline.
  • Oxygen therapy: We will carefully assess your oxygen needs and prescribe oxygen when appropriate to help with daily activities.
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation: This supervised program of exercise and breathing training is invaluable for improving stamina and reducing breathlessness.
  • Symptom management: We provide support for managing symptoms like cough and fatigue, as well as optimizing reflux control.
  • Vaccinations: Recommended to prevent infections that could worsen your condition.

Our Procedures & Services

  • On-site PFTs: Convenient testing to monitor your lung function.
  • Bronchoscopy: When a tissue or lavage sample is needed for diagnosis.
  • Coordinated Care: We work closely with imaging centers and other specialists to provide seamless, coordinated care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can lung scarring go away? A: Scarring from pulmonary fibrosis does not reverse. However, treatments and pulmonary rehabilitation can effectively slow the progression of the disease and significantly improve your daily life and function.