9 Types of Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is not a lung disease itself but a group of several lung conditions, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). You can see the difference between IPF and other interstitial lung diseases by looking at the affected lung tissue under a microscope. According to WebMD, ILDs attack the interstitium, the tissue and space around the lung’s air sacs.

MORE: Interstitial lung disease remains major a diagnostic challenge

This large group of diseases is known for creating progressive scarring of the interstitium which can cause progressive lung stiffness that will end up affecting the patient’s breathing and decrease the amount of oxygen delivered to the bloodstream.

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There are various lung conditions in the interstitial lung disease category, some forms of which are short-lived and others which are chronic and irreversible.

Some of these include:

• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
• Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP)
• Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis
• Nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Acute interstitial pneumonitis
• Interstitial pneumonia
• Sarcoidosis
• Asbestosis

Interstitial lung diseases have many conditions and symptoms. They can be caused by both autoimmune or rheumatologic diseases, and can also have no known cause. Remember, no matter the disease, your medical team is there to advise you and help you through.

MORE: The causes of interstitial lung disease

Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.