Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a general term used to describe a group of more than 200 diseases that affect the lungs. ILD can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, and coughing. ILD can range from mild to life-threatening. Some people with ILD only have mild symptoms, while others need treatment in the hospital.

There are many different types of ILD, and the cause of each type is not always known. Some common types of ILD include:

• Pulmonary fibrosis – This is a disease in which the lungs become scarred and stiff. This makes it difficult for the lungs to work properly. Pulmonary fibrosis is the most common type of ILD.

• Sarcoidosis – This is a disease that causes inflammation in many parts of the body, including the lungs.