Interstitial Lung Disease Flashcards
What is interstitial lung disease?
Group of conditions that causes inflammation and scarring of lung tissues (interstitium)
What part of the lungs does ILD affect?
The interstitium (space between air sacs and small blood vessels)
What are some examples of pollutants/toxins that can cause ILD?
Asbestos, bird and animal droppings, coal, silica dust
What are the three types of ILD causes?
Exposure related, autoimmune related, idiopathic
What are examples of exposure related causes of ILD?
Drug induced e.g chemotherapy OR occupational/environmental e.g gas/fumes
What are some examples of autoimmune related ILD causes?
Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus
What are some idiopathic ILD causes?
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, acute interstitial pneumonia
What are examples of conditions caused by exposure related ILD?
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (lung inflammation) e.g pneumoconiosis (due to certain dusts), asbestosis (asbestos exposure)
What are the symptoms of ILD?
Dry cough (triggered by laughing/activity), Dyspnoea (shortness of breath on exertion), depression and anxiety
How can we diagnose ILD?
Refer for chest x-ray or CT scan (interstitial markings), ABG (arterial blood gases)
What breathing studies can we undertake to diagnose ILD?
Spirometry
(Specialised tests): 6 min walking test, oxygen titration exercise, biopsy of lung, cardio-pulmonary exercise testing
What blood tests can we include to diagnose ILD?
Rheumatoid factor, ESR (estimated sedimentation rate), ANA (antinuclear bodies)
What are the treatments (medications) for ILD?
Prednisolone (steroids), methotrexate (mild chemotherapy), proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole)
What are non-medical treatments for ILD?
Oxygen therapy, palliative care, pulmonary rehabilitation
How to identify ILD through a physical examination?
Crackles, tachypnoea, cyanosis (chronic hypoxia), clubbed fingers (persistent peripheral hypoxia)
