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Diffuse parenchymal lung disease; Alveolitis; Cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA); Idiopathic pulmonary pneumonitis (IPP)
Treatment depends on the cause of the disease. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids or drugs that suppress the immune system, are prescribed if an autoimmune disease is causing the problem.
If there is no specific treatment for the condition, therapy is aimed at making you more comfortable and supporting lung function.
Some patients with advanced ILD may need a lung transplant.
For additional information and resources, see lung disease support group.
Chances of recovery or the disease getting worse depend on the cause, and how severe the disease was when it was first diagnosed.
Call your health care provider if:
Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2008.
American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society International Multidisciplinary Consensus. Classification of the Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2002;165:277-304.
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