Interstitial lung disease is a group of conditions that cause scarring in your lungs. The scarring often leads to breathing problems, which can range from mild to severe.
What causes interstitial lung diseases?
The cause of interstitial lung disease is not known. Major contributing factors include:
Smoking
Certain drugs or medicines
Exposure to substances at work or in the environment such as organic or inorganic dusts
Certain connective tissue or collagen diseases and sarcoidosis
Family history
Radiation treatment
What are the symptoms of interstitial lung diseases?
Each person may experience interstitial lung disease differently, but the most common symptoms include: