Interstitial Lung Diseases

Diagnosis involves evaluating medical history, medications, exposure to harmful substances, and related symptoms. Tests like blood tests, chest X-rays, CT scans, electrocardiograms, and pulmonary function tests are commonly performed. Additional procedures like echocardiograms, bronchoscopies, or lung biopsies may be necessary in specific cases. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and symptom severity. Approaches include addressing infections, discontinuing causative medications, supplemental oxygen, steroid medications to reduce inflammation, drugs to slow lung damage, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Severe cases may require lung transplantation to replace damaged lungs with healthy ones.