We use cookies so our web site can function correctly. By clicking "OK" or by clicking into any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed.

Privacy Statement

A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer's hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.

We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about web page traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes.

Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website, by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.

Cookie group mandatory

(Req)
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms.
You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

These cookies are required

Functional

These cookies allow us to adtertise our products to you and allow us to pass this information on to our trusted third parties so that they can advertise our products to you on our behalf
All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. No personal inforation is shared to third parties. Any personal information collected while using our website could be used for direct marketing from HCA only

Marketing

These cookies allow us to advertise our products to you and allow us to pass this information on to our trusted third parties so that they can advertise our products to you on our behalf
All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. No personal inforation is shared to third parties. Any personal information collected while using our website could be used for direct marketing from HCA only

Performance Cookies

These cookies allow us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site.  All information collect is annonomas unless you provide personal information to us.
If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

Type to search, press ESC to leave

Interstitial lung disease

ILD

Interstitial lung disease ecompasses a range of different conditions — our respiratory experts can diagnose and treat you

Email us

HCA Booking Line:

0207 079 4344

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

We're proud to work with leading experts across a range of medical fields, whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.
Consultant in theatres

Our facilities

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

Request an appointment

Our booking teams can help you make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.

020 7079 4344
Book an appointment
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
back to top