Interstitial Lung Disease [ILD]

ILD is a disease caused by destruction of gas exchanging unit of lung. Lung capacity goes down. Patient usually complaints of dry cough and progressive breathlessness. Simple explanation is soft spongy lung tissue is replaced by hard tissue.

Diagnosis of ILD is based on good quality HRCT thorax

Other tests which helps for diagnosis and assessment of severity includes PFT with DLCO, 6 minute walk test and some blood tests

Diagnosis and typing of ILD is important by good quality HRCT thorax as treatment is directed as per type of ILD

Appropriate antifibrotic medications, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, vaccination and as per need Home oxygen forms the ILD treatment plan.

Lung transplant is also feasible options in India now. Many centres in India are offering good Lung transplant programs nowadays.