Interstitial Lung Disease

Breathe easier with treatment and management for your lung condition

Interstitial lung disease, sometimes called pulmonary fibrosis, begins as inflammation in the lungs, and can lead to permanent lung damage that affects your ability to breathe.

Interstitial lung disease can be the result of a variety of lung conditions that are not caused by infection and are not lung cancer.

Interstitial tissue is the tissue between the different air sacs in your lungs. When your lungs are exposed to certain drugs or environmental hazards they can become inflamed or swollen. As a result, the interstitial tissue may become scarred. Extensive scarring leads to stiffness in your lungs and keeps them from functioning correctly.

Causes

Interstitial lung disease can be caused by:

  • Air pollution
  • Drugs
  • Existing medical condition
  • Genetics
  • Radiation
  • Sarcoidosis

In many cases, the cause of a particular interstitial lung disease cannot be determined. Interstitial lung diseases vary greatly in severity, symptoms and how quickly they progress.

Overview

Interstitial tissue is the tissue between the different air sacs in your lungs. When your lungs are exposed to certain drugs or environmental hazards they can become inflamed or swollen. As a result, the interstitial tissue may become scarred. Extensive scarring leads to stiffness in your lungs and keeps them from functioning correctly.

Causes

Interstitial lung disease can be caused by:

  • Air pollution
  • Drugs
  • Existing medical condition
  • Genetics
  • Radiation
  • Sarcoidosis

In many cases, the cause of a particular interstitial lung disease cannot be determined. Interstitial lung diseases vary greatly in severity, symptoms and how quickly they progress.

Diagnostic tests to determine interstitial lung disease include:

Computed Tomography (CT) Scans

CT scans give physicians detailed images of your lungs to help diagnose any lung disease.

Lung Biopsy

A small piece of lung tissue is removed and examined for signs of pulmonary fibrosis.

Pulmonary Function Tests

These are diagnostic tools that evaluate your lung volume and your ability to absorb oxygen through the lungs. Learn more about pulmonary function tests.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests to determine interstitial lung disease include:

Computed Tomography (CT) Scans

CT scans give physicians detailed images of your lungs to help diagnose any lung disease.

Lung Biopsy

A small piece of lung tissue is removed and examined for signs of pulmonary fibrosis.

Pulmonary Function Tests

These are diagnostic tools that evaluate your lung volume and your ability to absorb oxygen through the lungs. Learn more about pulmonary function tests.

Interstitial lung disease is treated by a pulmonologist, a physician who specializes in lung diseases. IU Health provides the full spectrum of treatment and services you need to breathe better, including:

Management of Conditions

If you are diagnosed with lung disease, IU Health pulmonologists will work with you to manage your condition through pulmonary rehabilitation, medications and lifestyle changes.

Oxygen Therapy

If your lungs are not properly absorbing oxygen due to damage, oxygen therapy may help your body function better.

Prescription Medications

Some medications reduce lung inflammation and lessen the amount of scarring caused by interstitial lung diseases.

Lung Transplant

In very severe cases, a lung transplant may be necessary to treat interstitial lung disease. IU Health is the only healthcare system that performs lung transplants in Indiana.

Treatment

Interstitial lung disease is treated by a pulmonologist, a physician who specializes in lung diseases. IU Health provides the full spectrum of treatment and services you need to breathe better, including:

Management of Conditions

If you are diagnosed with lung disease, IU Health pulmonologists will work with you to manage your condition through pulmonary rehabilitation, medications and lifestyle changes.

Oxygen Therapy

If your lungs are not properly absorbing oxygen due to damage, oxygen therapy may help your body function better.

Prescription Medications

Some medications reduce lung inflammation and lessen the amount of scarring caused by interstitial lung diseases.

Lung Transplant

In very severe cases, a lung transplant may be necessary to treat interstitial lung disease. IU Health is the only healthcare system that performs lung transplants in Indiana.

Related Diagnostic and Treatment Services for Interstitial Lung Disease

Patient Stories for Interstitial Lung Disease

Resources