ILD symptoms
Shortness of breath is a common symptom, but ILD symptoms could also point to other conditions:
- Anemia
- Blood clots
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
A dry cough is very common for people with ILD, but it could also point to:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Postnasal drip (mucus builds up and drips down behind the nose and throat)
- Acid reflux
How ILD develops
When you have ILD, your lung tissue becomes inflamed. Over time, that inflammation can cause fibrosis. This scarring causes changes in the small air pockets in your lungs, called alveoli. Alveoli thicken, lose their normal shape, and become stiff.
It becomes hard for your lungs to work and get oxygen into your blood. Low blood oxygen levels may:
- Cause shortness of breath and tiredness
- Reduce the function of your organs
- Make it hard to maintain your quality of life
Diagnosing and Treating ILD
Effective treatments can help you manage your health. Supplemental oxygen therapy can help you stay active and strong. That’s why it’s important to see a lung doctor early. Learn more about ILD diagnosis and treatments.
It’s important to determine the cause of ILD (if there is one). This helps your healthcare team provide the best treatment for you. Learn more about ILD types and causes.
“Living with Interstitial Lung Disease” patient education guide
This 52-page guide explores every facet of ILD that you may encounter, from diagnosis and treatment to support and myths. With the most up-to-date information available, this guide will help you and your loved ones feel confident when making decisions about your diagnosis.
