A large group of lung conditions in which most of them cause progressive scarring of the lung tissue is called interstitial lung disease. People who experience interstitial lung disease usually experience breathing problems and do not get enough oxygen in the bloodstream.
The primary causes of interstitial lung disease include exposure to hazardous materials (such as asbestos) for long periods and certain autoimmune conditions (including rheumatoid arthritis). However, sometimes, it is not possible to determine the exact cause.
Generally, once scarring of the liver tissue happens, it is not reversible. However, there are some medicines that may slow down damage to the liver. Doctors also may recommend a lung transplant but this treatment option is usually used when others do not work.
Symptoms
The main interstitial lung disease symptoms include dry cough and shortness of breath at rest. Immediately contact your healthcare professional if you experience trouble breathing because, with early diagnosis and treatment, you may slow down the damage caused by the condition. However, different health conditions can cause problems with breathing and negatively affect the lungs.
Causes
This condition usually occurs due to an injury that causes an unusual healing response. In normal circumstances, the body produces the exact amount of tissue required to repair damage but in people with interstitial lung disease, this process goes awry. As a result, scarring and thickening of the tissue around the alveoli (air sacs) occur. Thus, it becomes challenging for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream.
There are different causes of interstitial lung disease such as toxins in the workplace, medicines, and health conditions. However, in most cases, the exact cause of this condition remains unknown.
Environmental and Occupational Factors
If you are exposed to toxins and pollutants for long periods it may lead to lung damage. For example:
- Asbestos fibers
- Silica dust
- Grain dust
- Bird and animal droppings
- Radiation treatments
- Indoor hot tubs
Sometimes, lung damage may occur in people who receive radiation therapy (it is used to treat different cancer types).
Medicines
These include:
- Chemotherapy drugs – This category of drugs involves strong medicines that help destroy cancer cells. For example Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, and others.
- Heart medicines – These include Propranolol or Amiodarone.
- Antibiotics – The following medicines may damage lung tissue. For example Nitrofurantoin and Ethambutol.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs – Rituximab or Sulfasalazine may also cause damage to the lungs.
Diseases
The following autoimmune conditions can cause lung damage. For example:
- Sarcoidosis
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Mixed connective tissue disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Scleroderma
- Dermatomyositis and polymyositis
This article does not contain all possible medicines and conditions. Consult with your healthcare professional for more details.
Risk Factors
The following factors may increase your risk of developing interstitial lung disease. For example:
- Age – This lung disease happens mostly in adults but sometimes infants and children also may develop it.
- Long-term exposure to toxins and pollutants – These occupational and environmental toxins may damage the lungs. For instance, people who work in mining, farming, or construction are continuously exposed to different chemicals that lead to damage to the lung tissue.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – People with uncontrolled acid reflux or indigestion are at increased risk of this lung condition.
- Smoking – There are some types of interstitial lung disease that are more likely to occur in people who use tobacco products.
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy – Lung disease may also occur in people who receive these cancer treatments.
What Are The Possible Complications of Interstitial Lung Disease?
People who ignore the symptoms and do not get treatment for this condition may experience some life-threatening complications. Check below some examples:
- Pulmonary hypertension – This is a health condition in which high blood pressure in the lungs occurs. It causes low oxygen levels and scarring of the lung tissue, as well as reducing blood flow to the lungs.
- Heart failure – This is a serious heart disease that usually happens in the right ventricle (the lower right heart’s chamber). It reduces blood flow to the pulmonary arteries, which causes extra strain on the right ventricle. In most cases, heart failure occurs due to pulmonary hypertension.
- Respiratory failure – This complication often occurs in people with end-stage interstitial lung disease. It leads to severely low blood oxygen.
Diagnosis
Sometimes, it is difficult to diagnose this condition because there are multiple disorders that cause similar symptoms. Check below some tests used to determine whether a person has interstitial lung disease or not:
Laboratory Tests
Physicians usually perform blood tests to detect either proteins or antibodies of autoimmune diseases or inflammatory responses to different environmental factors often caused by molds or bird protein.
Imaging Tests
- CT (computerized tomography) scan – This test is commonly used to diagnose interstitial lung disease. It uses X-rays to make cross-sectional pictures of the lungs and other body structures. CT scans are frequently used by doctors to diagnose different health problems.
- Echocardiogram – This test uses sound waves to produce images of the heart structures. It may determine how much pressure happens on the right ventricle.
Pulmonary Function Tests
- Spirometry and diffusion capacity – This is a specific test that measures the air lungs can hold and how fast the air moves out of them. It may also determine the amount of oxygen that enters the bloodstream from the lungs.
- Oximetry – This test involves a device that is placed on your finger to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood.
Lung Tissue Tests
Biopsy is frequently used by doctors to diagnose interstitial lung disease. The tissue sample is usually taken in the following ways. For example:
- Bronchoscopy – For this test, physicians use a tiny and flexible tube (bronchoscope) that is inserted into the lungs through the nose or mouth.
- Bronchoalveolar lavage – During this test, doctors will insert a tablespoon of salt water through a bronchoscope into a lung section.
- Surgical biopsy – This is an invasive procedure in which doctors get a small sample of lung tissue. However, this procedure is done under general anesthesia.
Treatment
The treatments usually are different among people because it depends on the cause and severity of the condition. However, if scarring of the lung tissue occurs, the condition cannot be reversed. While some treatments may slow down the disease progression, others may lessen the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Check below some treatment options usually recommended by doctors for people with interstitial lung disease:
Medicines
The following medicines are approved for the treatment of interstitial lung disease but research to identify new treatment options is ongoing. These include:
- Corticosteroids – In most cases, doctors prescribe this group of medicines for people who were diagnosed with interstitial lung disease. They usually prescribe Prednisone along with other medicines to slow the progression of the condition.
- Pirfenidone and Nintedanib – These medications are commonly prescribed by doctors to slow down the disease progression but they may cause severe adverse reactions. Discuss with your doctor about the risks and benefits before using these medications.
- H-2 receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors – These include Lansoprazole, Omeprazole, and Pantoprazole. These medications are used to reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Those who suffer from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis commonly experience GERD. Previous medicines are used to relieve GERD symptoms.
Oxygen Therapy
This therapy is often used to stop damage to the lung tissue but also provides other benefits. These include:
- Reduce blood pressure
- Improve sleep and well-being sense
- Lower or prevent complications caused by low oxygen levels in the blood
- Make exercise and breathing easier
Surgery
Healthcare providers recommend lung transplantation for people with severe lung disease and when other treatment options do not work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the life expectancy in people with interstitial lung disease?
People who were diagnosed with this lung condition live between 3-5 years after diagnosis. For more details, discuss it with your doctor.
Can interstitial lung disease be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no way to cure the condition but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, you can get rid of symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What are the most effective medicines used to treat interstitial lung disease?
These include:
- Antifibrotic therapy
- Antibody treatment
- Immunomodulator and immunosuppressive therapies
- Corticosteroids
- Antioxidants
If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
