This is a group of diseases that inflame or scar the lungs which affect the normal oxygen supply required by the body. There are over 100 different types of pulmonary conditions that can affect the oxygen absorption into the lungs and most of the affected individuals have difficulty breathing and moving because of shortness of breath. Some forms of interstitial lung diseases can develop as the result of breathing in dust and various particles present in the air. When the lung scarring develops, it is considered to be irreversible although the medications can slow the damage of this disease.
Causes
When the cause of the interstitial lung diseases cannot be identified, it is known as idiopathic. This disease can be triggered by several factors such as the exposure to organic and inorganic materials, medications, autoimmune disease and certain types of radiation. As this is a progressive disease, it is important to identify the triggers so it can be removed to slow the progression of the disease. In some cases, the long-term exposure to some of the environmental triggers can also cause this condition which can include materials such as coal dust, grain dust, asbestos fibers and silica dust. Some of the autoimmune diseases that can also develop the interstitial lung diseases include pulmonary vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and mixed-connective tissue disease.
Symptoms
The initial symptoms of interstitial lung disease are a dry cough and the shortness of breath typically after physical activity. Additional symptoms can include fatigue, weight loss, joint pain, abnormal enlargement of fingernail base and heart failure in some cases. The symptoms usually develop progressively over several months or years. Generally, by the time the symptoms become apparent and the diagnosis is made, the damage of the lungs is irreversible.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of interstitial lung disease can be challenging as the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. Hence, various disorders have to be ruled out in order to confirm the diagnosis. Some of the imaging tests include chest x-rays, an echocardiogram to visualize the heart and a CT scan to determine the extent of lung damage. The pulmonary function tests such as oximetry may be necessary to measure the oxygen saturation in the blood. A biopsy may be required that involves a surgical procedure to remove a sample of the tissue to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
The treatment cannot often stop the progression of the disease although it can be slowed. Medications can help improve the quality of life and the symptoms. Some of the affected individuals may benefit from the anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressing medications. The oxygen therapy can help prevent complications from a low level of oxygen in the blood and to make breathing easier. A lung transplant is the only option for those with the severe form of this disease.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/diagnosis-treatment.html
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/meningococcal-disease
