Intersttiticial Lung Disease

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:

• Shortness of breath, especially with activity
• Dry, hacking cough that does not produce phlegm
• Extreme tiredness and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Discomfort in the chest
• Labored breathing, which may be fast and shallow
• Bleeding in the lungs