Health Information
Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) are a group of rare lung conditions that cause chronic chest problems and/or breathlessness. ILD affects the supporting structure of the lungs and iften involves the alveoli (tiny air sacs).
ILD comprises a very large number of different specific diseases all with different treatments and outcomes. A common form of ILD is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) a condition which causes persistent and progressive scarring of the alveoli in the lungs.
Other common types of ILD include allergic type reactions to inhaled particles known as Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, damage to lungs by inhaled fibres including asbestos causing asbestosis and sarcoidosis a type of ILD of no known cause.
ILD is more common in patients 50 years and over. It is a disease that can be difficult to treat and is an area of respiratory medicine where current and ongoing research studies are currently being undertaken.
Symptoms include:
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