Is there a test 1 for ILD?

The doctor will ask you about certain drugs that you are on, whether harmful substances are breathed in for long, exposure to mould on a long basis, the presence of arthritis or certain skin conditions. The tests include blood tests, Chest X-ray, CT Scan of the chest, ECG, and breathing tests like Pulmonary function tests. Echocardiogram and bronchoscopy is also. necessary. In certain cases, a lung biopsy is also required to find out the cause of lung fibrosis.

What are the environmental or occupational exposures we need to be wary about?

Inhalation of organic dust as silica dust, asbestos, moulds and birds. Medications like bleomycin, amiodarone or nitrofurantoin can cause ILD. Besides radiation damage, mutation in genes that are associated with surfactant production can cause ILD. If you live in old, unkept houses that have not been used for long, mould or fungus can cause ILD.

What are treatment options available ?

Besides disease-specific therapy, Nintedanib and Pirfenidone slow disease progression, immune system suppressants like corticosteroids, mycophenolate or cyclophosphamide are used. Oxygen therapy improves oxygenation in advanced cases, exercise training and breathing exercises are useful. Stopping smoking, and avoidance of environmental or occupational triggers is important. Lung transplantation is advised in severe unresponsive cases—vaccines to prevent infections like pneumonia, the flu, and Covid-19 infection.

When to see a doctor?

Persistent shortness of breath or cough, history of exposure to asbestos or mould, and individual having autoimmune diseases like joint pains and skin changes.

How is the prognosis?

This varies according to the specific type of ILD and severity. In the idiopathic variety, the median survival of 3 to 5 years post-diagnosis. In hypersensitivity pneumonitis, better survival if diagnosed early and exposure is avoided.