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Diffuse interstitial lung disease

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Diffuse parenchymal lung disease; Alveolitis; Cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA); Idiopathic pulmonary pneumonitis (IPP)

Treatment:

The treatment depends upon the underlying cause of the disease. Most often, anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressing drugs, are given. If there is no specific treatment for an underlying disorder, supportive therapy is indicated. Supplemental oxygen is prescribed for people with low blood oxygen levels. Pulmonary rehabilitation can help people combat the debilitation that accompanies advanced ILD.

Exposure to agents known to cause lung disease (certain dusts, gases, fumes, vapors, medications, and radiation) should be restricted.

Quitting cigarettes can slow the progression of existing ILD.

Lung transplantation may be indicated in some patients with advanced ILD.

Support Groups:

For additional information and resources, see lung disease support group .

Expectations (prognosis):

Chances for recovery or progression of the disease depend on the underlying cause.

Complications:

• Hypoxemia
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Right sided heart failure (cor pulmonale)
• Respiratory failure

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have shortness of breath at rest that lasts for any duration.

• Review Date: 5/3/2006
• Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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