Interstitial Lung Disease Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Defining the specific cause of interstitial lung disease is paramount to its effective treatment. Diagnosis rests on a clinician ruling out a broad spectrum of lung diseases which can mimic ILD, then identifying causal factors. Investigation will primarily focus on symptoms, searching for links between the patient’s condition and the known causes listed above.

The following tests may be utilised in concert with investigation to diagnose ILD:

• Imaging tests: CT scans (to check for indicative fibrosis) and echocardiograms (to analyse heart pressures)
• Blood tests: The presence of proteins, antibodies and other markers of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory responses may indicate ILD or its causes
• Pulmonary function tests: Spirometry and oximetry tests check lung function
• Lung biopsy: A bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage or surgical biopsy enables lung tissue to be tested, achieving the most accurate diagnosis⁶

Once the cause of ILD is found, treatment begins by removing contributing factors. If environmental, occupational or medication causes are suspected, patient contact with these triggers must be avoided.

Medications may be prescribed with the aim to slow the progress of ILD, or even entirely stabilise its progression. Corticosteriods may be used in combination with other drugs that suppress the immune system, while medications for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease may also help to slow progression.

With an aim to improve daily lung function and limit the impact of ILD on a patient’s life, pulmonary rehabilitation has proved beneficial to many patients⁷. While not treating the underlying problem, oxygen therapy can make ILD patients far more comfortable, and is often used for physical activity or while sleeping. Lung transplantation is a last resort for patients who don’t respond to the above treatments.

Discover below which pulse oximetry and monitoring products from  Medtronic can help treating patients who have been diagnosed with  interstitial lung disease.