Interstitial lung disease

About

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) describes a range of conditions, most of which cause scarring to lung tissue. These include idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary vasculitis and hypersensitive pneumonitis. These can cause breathing difficulties as not enough oxygen gets into your blood. Our respiratory experts can help to diagnose and treat you.

Need to know

Symptoms of interstitial lung disease icon plus
- breathlessness
- dry cough
- weight loss
Diagnosis icon plus
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. They may also recommend certain diagnostic tests.
- Blood tests to detect protein and antibodies identified in ILDs.
- X-ray or CT scan to show images of your chest and lungs
- Echocardiogram to help visualise any abnormalities in your heart
- Pulmonary function tests, like a spirometry to assess how much air you lungs can hold, and an aoximetry to measure oxygen levels in your blood.
- A bronchoscopy where a flexible tube with a camera is passed into your lungs and a sample of your lung tissue is taken.
Potential treatment options icon plus
- Medication to slow progression of ILD.
- Oxygen therapy to assist with breathing and reduce high blood pressure.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation to help with your everyday life. This includes breathing exercises and diet recommendations.
In very severe cases where medication hasn't helped, lung transplant surgery may be considered. You consultant would of course speak with you in detail about this as a potential procedure.

Types of interstitial lung disease

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)

People with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis experience scarring of their lungs. This results in an increasing difficulty with breathing over time.

Pulmonary vasculitis

If you have pulmonary vasculitis then the blood vessels in your lung have become inflamed or destroyed. This can be caused by other lung conditions.

Hypersensitive pneumonitis (HP)

Hypersensitive pneumonitis is an inflammation of your lung's alveoli. It happens when you breathe in particles that contaminate the alveoli.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a condition where an abnormal collection of inflammatory cells form lumps called granulomas. These form on the lungs and other organs.

Our consultants

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Our facilities

From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place

London W1U 5NY

Appointments 020 7908 8001
Enquiries 020 7486 1234
The Wellington Hospital

Wellington Place

London NW8 9LE

Appointments 0207 483 5148
Enquiries 0207 586 5959
London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street

London

SE1 2PR

Appointments & Enquiries 020 7234 2009
Imaging Appointments 020 7234 2773
The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street

London

W1G 8BJ

Appointments 020 7034 8181
Enquiries 020 7935 7700
The Portland Hospital

205 - 209 Great Portland Street

London

W1W 5AH

Children's enquiries 020 7390 8020
Maternity enquiries 020 7390 6068
Gynaecology enquiries 020 7390 6200