Interstitial Lung Diseases

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) refer to a group of lung disorders that cause scarring of the lung tissue. This can lead to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Dr. Mayank emphasizes that ILDs can be caused by autoimmune diseases, environmental exposures, or unknown factors. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent dry cough, and fatigue. Diagnosis involves imaging studies like CT scans and pulmonary function tests, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression.