Have you ever heard of the term “interstitial lung disease”? If not, then keep on reading to find out about this respiratory condition and how serious it can get.
The term “interstitial lung disease” refers to a group of conditions that cause scarring in the lungs. Scarring frequently causes breathing problems, which can range from mild to severe.
Interstitial lung disease refers to a group of over 200 conditions that cause inflammation and scarring around the alveoli, the balloon-like air sacs in your lungs. The alveoli transport oxygen into your bloodstream. These sacs do not expand well when they are scarred. As a result, your blood receives less oxygen.
Other parts of your lungs, such as the airways, lung lining, and blood vessels, may also be affected.
Interstitial lung disease types
There are more than 200 different types of interstitial lung disease. Some examples are:
- Asbestosis is lung inflammation and scarring caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.
- Bronchiolitis obliterans is a condition that causes blockages in the lungs’ smallest airways, known as bronchioles.
- Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis is a lung condition caused by coal dust exposure (also called black lung disease)
- Chronic silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling silica.
- Connective tissue-related pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that affects people who have connective tissue diseases like scleroderma or Sjögren syndrome.
- Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis is a lung inflammation condition that is more common in smokers.
- Familial pulmonary fibrosis is a scar tissue buildup in the lungs that affects two or more family members.
- Inflammation of the alveoli caused by breathing in allergens or other irritants causes hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a disease that has no known cause and causes scar tissue to form throughout the lung tissue.
- Sarcoidosis is a condition in which small clumps of inflammatory cells form in organs such as the lungs and lymph nodes.
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Interstitial lung disease symptoms
When you have interstitial lung disease, you may experience a variety of symptoms due to lung damage, irritation, and a lack of oxygen. These are some examples:
shortness of breath, particularly when exercising or climbing stairs
a coughing fit
unusual sounds when breathing
fatigue
chest discomfort or pain
clubbing of fingers or toes
The severity of the symptoms varies and may be similar to those associated with other respiratory conditions or health issues.
If you experience shortness of breath or other unusual symptoms, consult your doctor. If you have interstitial lung disease, you can begin treatments to manage the inflammation and scarring.
Interstitial lung disease causes
Often, doctors are unable to determine the cause of interstitial lung disease. The condition is known as idiopathic interstitial lung disease in these cases.
Medical conditions, the use of certain medications, or exposure to toxic substances that damage your lungs are also causes of interstitial lung disease. These causes of interstitial lung disease are classified into three categories:
Autoimmune diseases
In these conditions, your body’s immune system attacks and damages the lungs and other organs:
- Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory condition that causes muscle weakness and a rash on the skin.
- Lupus is a disease in which the immune system attacks various tissues, including the skin, joints, and other organs.
- Mixed connective tissue disease: a condition characterized by symptoms similar to those of several connective tissue diseases, including polymyositis, lupus, and scleroderma.
- Polymyositis is a condition that causes muscle inflammation.
- Vasculitis is inflammation and damage to the body’s blood vessels.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes the immune system to attack the joints, lungs, and other organs.
- Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the formation of clumps of inflammatory cells in various organs.
- Scleroderma is a group of diseases that cause skin inflammation.
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Toxic or irritating substances exposure
Exposure to the following substances at work or in the environment can result in lung scarring:
- animal proteins derived from farming or bird raising
- fibers of asbestos
- coal ash
- grain grits
- mold
- silica sand
- cigarette smoke
Medications
Some medications can harm the lungs, including:
- nitrofurantoin (Macrobid, Macrodantin) and daptomycin are examples of antibiotics.
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Bleomycin, gemcitabine, and methotrexate are examples of chemotherapy drugs (Trexall)
- Amiodarone and other heart medications (Cordarone, Nexterone, Pacerone)
Life expectancy and prospects
The severity of interstitial lung disease varies from person to person. It can progress slowly in some cases and quickly in others. Your symptoms may be mild to severe.
Some interstitial lung diseases are more likely to be fatal than others. One of the most common types, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, has a poor prognosis. The current average survival time for people with this type is 3 to 5 years. It may take longer with certain medications and depending on the severity of the condition.
People with other types of interstitial lung disease, such as sarcoidosis, have a much longer life expectancy.
A lung transplant can improve the chances of survival for some people with severe diseases.
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