Skip to content
Mesothelioma.net
phone iconCall1-800-692-8608 chat icon Chat 24/7 Live Chat
Menu
  • Malignant Mesothelioma
    • About Mesothelioma
      • How to Survive Mesothelioma
      • 100 Questions & Answers about Mesothelioma (Free Book)
      • Symptoms
      • Diagnosis
      • Prognosis
      • Life Expectancy
    • Types
      • Pleural
      • Peritoneal
      • Epithelioid
      • Sarcomatoid
      • Biphasic
    • Stages
      • Stage 1
      • Stage 2
      • Stage 3
      • Stage 4
    • Additional Information
      • Causes
      • Asbestos and Its Dangers
      • Facts
      • Support
      • Financial Compensation
      • FREE Mesothelioma Packet
  • Treatment
    • Treatment Options
      • Surgery
      • Chemotherapy
      • Radiation Therapy
      • Multimodal Therapy
      • Medications
      • Palliative Treatment
    • Find Top Doctors
      • Doctors
      • Treatment Centers
      • Treatment & Doctors Near You
      • New Treatments
      • Care Providers
      • Clinical Trials
      • Costs
  • Asbestos Trusts
  • Compensation
  • Veteran Assistance
    • Mesothelioma and Veterans
      • VA Claims for Mesothelioma
      • Vietnam Veterans
    • Military Branches and Asbestos
      • Navy Veterans
      • Navy Ships
      • Marine Corps Veterans
      • Army Veterans
      • Air Force Veterans
      • U.S. Coast Guard
  • Surviving Mesothelioma
  • About Us / Contact
  • Home
  • ›
  • Asbestos
  • ›
  • Interstitial Lung Disease
Page Updated: June 25, 2022

Interstitial Lung Disease

Anne Courtney Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Anne Courtney, AOCNP, DNP

FREE Mesothelioma Packet

Fact Checked

This page has been fact-checked by a Doctor of nursing practice specializing in Oncology and has experience working with mesothelioma patients.

FREE Mesothelioma Packet

Sources of information are listed at the bottom of the article. We make every attempt to keep our information accurate and up-to-date. 

Please Contact Us with any questions or comments.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of conditions involving scarring of the tissue around the air sacs in the lungs. Only a lung transplant can restore function, but these are rare. Treatments focus on slowing the progression of the disease and relieving symptoms.

FREE Mesothelioma Packet

What Is Interstitial Lung Disease?

Interstitial lung disease is not one specific illness or condition; instead, it is a category of more than 100 lung diseases with various possible causes, though sometimes the cause is never determined.

Because there are so many ILDs, they are generally categorized by association with a certain disease or environmental contaminant.[1] For example, ILD caused by asbestos exposure is called asbestosis. Asbestosis belongs to the exposure category of ILDs.[2]

All ILDs cause lung tissue scarring that worsens over time. ILDs are specifically characterized by scarring around the alveoli or air sacs of the lungs, also known as the interstitium, or interstitial space.

The interstitium is important for the exchange of oxygen and other gases between the lungs and capillaries. It becomes progressively more difficult for this exchange to occur as scarring worsens.

Scarring Caused by Asbestos

Interstitial lung disease caused by exposure may occur when someone inhales airborne contaminants. Possible contaminants include silica, coal dust, farm dust, fumes from welding, and much more. For someone who has worked around asbestos, inhalation of the fibers may lead to lung scarring that causes asbestosis.[1]

When asbestos fibers enter the lungs, they can become embedded in tissue. Sometimes this occurs in the pleura and may lead to mesothelioma. These tiny fibers can also travel further into the lungs, causing damage to tissue in the interstitium.

In response to this damage, the body attempts to make repairs, thickening tissue and causing scarring. The scarring is more extensive with greater exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, even when the contaminant is removed, scarring continues to worsen.

Symptoms of ILD

While various contaminants may cause an ILD through exposure, they all cause similar symptoms. These symptoms are also similar to other lung conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

Symptoms of ILD include:[3]

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing
  • Fatigue that worsens with exercise or exertion
  • Unexplained weight loss

Once symptoms are obvious, the disease has likely progressed so far that it is irreversible.[2]

Diagnosis

Diagnosing an ILD can be tricky because symptoms are similar to other more common conditions, like COPD. If you have been exposed to asbestos, dust, or environmental contaminants, it is important to inform your doctor to receive the most complete diagnosis. These are the typical steps in a diagnosis:[4]

  • Diagnosis generally begins with chest X-rays and lung function tests.
  • Lung function tests determine if your lung capacity is diminished.
  • Other imaging tests, like CT scans or MRIs, may also be used to provide a more detailed picture of tissues in your chest cavity and lungs.
  • In some cases, a biopsy will be performed. For a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed and examined by a pathologist.
  • Pathologists use the tissue sample to determine if the tissue is scarred by ILD.

Treatment for ILDs

It is important to find the underlying cause of an ILD to determine the best course of treatment. If your ILD is caused by asbestos, you will need to avoid any further exposure.

Treatment for ILDs also includes procedures to treat scarring, limit further damage, and help your lungs get more oxygen.[4]

Medications may help slow the formation of scar tissue; however, they are not always effective depending on the underlying cause of the ILD.

Oxygen therapy will not slow damage, but it can help you breathe more easily, increase your oxygen intake, and help you sleep better. Oxygen therapy involves supplemental oxygen typically administered through an oxygen tank.[4]

In rare cases, a lung transplant may be an option, when damage to lung tissue is severe and the patient is otherwise healthy.

Lung transplants are not common for treating asbestosis; however, if a lung is available and a patient is a good candidate, doctors may consider this difficult procedure. For some patients, a transplant is the best option though it is risky and may result in organ rejection.[4]

Complications of Asbestosis and other ILDs

In addition to difficulty breathing and inadequate oxygen, ILDs can cause other serious complications. High blood pressure in the lungs, or pulmonary hypertension, can be triggered by an ILD.

These conditions can be life-threatening. If you have asbestosis and you smoke, you may also be at risk for lung cancer. ILDs may also cause pleural plaques and pleural effusions, the thickening of lung tissue, and fluid buildup around the lungs.

Prognosis

If you are diagnosed with asbestosis or another ILD, your prognosis will depend on the extent of your disease. If caught early, asbestosis may not cause serious symptoms or complications.

Early treatment can mitigate symptoms and slow progression. When not diagnosed until extensive damage has been done, or if you also smoke, the prognosis will likely be worse.

ILDs caused by exposure are preventable. If you work around harmful chemicals, minerals, or dust, be sure to use proper protective equipment. This is an important step in preventing damage to your lung tissue. Living with ILD is uncomfortable, limiting, and may ultimately cost you your life.

Get Your FREE Mesothelioma Packet

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Anne Courtney, AOCNP, DNP

Anne Courtney

Anne Courtney has a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and is an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner. She has years of oncology experience working with patients with malignant mesothelioma, as well as other types of cancer. Dr. Courtney currently works at University of Texas LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes.

Connect with Doctor of Nursing Practice Anne Courtney
References
  1. Mayo Clinic. (2017, July 21). Interstitial Lung Disease. Symptoms and Causes.
    Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/interstitial-lung-disease/basics/definition/con-20024481
  2. MedlinePlus. (2021, July 29). Interstitial Lung Disease.
    Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/interstitiallungdiseases.html
  3. American Lung Association. (n.d.). Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD).
    Retrieved from: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/interstitial-lung-disease#:~:text=Interstitial%20Lung%20Disease%20(ILD),get%20oxygen%20to%20the%20bloodstream.
  4. Mayo Clinic. (2017, July 21). Interstitial Lung Disease. Diagnosis and Treatment.
    Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/interstitial-lung-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353113
  5. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=diffuselung
  6. https://www.ajmc.com/insights/emerging-therapies-ild
View All References

Site Navigation

Home
Malignant Mesothelioma
How to Survive Mesothelioma
100 Questions & Answers about Mesothelioma (Free Book)
Surviving Mesothelioma - Beating the Odds (Free Book)
FREE Mesothelioma Packet
Symptoms
Shortness of Breath
Cough
Night Sweats and Fever
Weight Loss
Pain
Difficulty Swallowing
Fatigue and Muscle Weakness
Gastrointestinal Complications
Diagnosis
Pathology
Staging
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Metastasis and Progression
Brain Metastasis
Biopsy
miRview Test
Imaging
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Mesothelioma
Biomarkers and Blood Tests
Calretinin
Prognosis
Remission
Recurrence
Death Rate
Life Expectancy
Search for a Mesothelioma Cure
Types
Pleural
Peritoneal
Epithelioid
Sarcomatoid
Biphasic
Pericardial
Testicular
Cell Types
Rare Subtypes of Mesothelioma
Deciduoid
Desmoplastic
Heterologous
Lymphohistiocytoid
Well-Differentiated Papillary
Tubulopapillary
Small Cell
Benign
Adenomatoid
Cystic
Unresectable
Localized
Idiopathic
Omental
Causes
Risk Factors
Latest Research
Genetic Components
Incidence
Latency Period
Mesothelioma Tumor
Health Insurance Coverage
Related Conditions
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Cholangiocarcinoma
Atelectasis
Pleural Plaques
Pleural Thickening
Pleural Effusion
Peritoneal Effusion (Ascites)
Mesothelial Hyperplasia and Proliferation
Pleuritis and Pleurisy
COPD
Anemia
Breast Cancer
Prevention
Complications
Misdiagnosis
Mesothelioma Commercial
Talcum Baby Powder
Lawyer
Lawsuits
Class Action Lawsuits
Settlements
Simian Virus 40
Differences From Other Cancers
Lung Cancer
Women
Children and Young Adults
Unknown Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma Without Asbestos
Cause of Death
Facts 
History
Awareness
Government and Research
National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank
Support
What to Expect
Living with Mesothelioma
Help a Loved One
Wrong and Right Things to Say
Caregivers
Financial Tips
Faith
Nutrition and Lifestyle
Intimacy
Mesothelioma and Fertility in Men
Fertility in Women with Mesothelioma
Emotional Health
COVID-19
Assisted Living
Hospice Care
Dying from Mesothelioma
Mourning
Coping Guide for Children
End-of-Life Decisions
Mesothelioma Awareness Day
Compensation for Victims
Lawyer
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington D.C.
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Lawsuit
Settlements
Statute of Limitations
Treatment
Surgery
Side Effects
Pneumonectomy
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy
Lobectomy
Pleurectomy/Decortication
Post Op Care
Pleurectomy/Decortication vs. Extrapleural Pneumonectomy
Peritonectomy/Cytoreductive Surgery
Thoracotomy
Thoracoscopy
Pericardiectomy
Wedge Resection
Pleurodesis
Pericardiocentesis
Prosthetics
Paracentesis
Thoracentesis
Chemotherapy
Side Effects
Heated Intraperitoneal
Radiation Therapy
Side Effects
Intensity-Modulated
Brachytherapy
Proton Therapy
Image-Guided
External Beam
Three-Dimensional
Multimodal Therapy
New Treatments
SMART Protocol
Gene Therapy
Suicide Gene Therapy
Tumor-Based p53 Therapy
Cryotherapy for Mesothelioma
Tumor Treating Fields
MicroRNA
Palliative Treatment
Osteopathic
Doctors
Treatment Centers
Treatment & Doctors Near You
Mesothelioma Experts
Medications
Alimta (pemetrexed)
Adriamycin (doxorubicin)
Avastin (bevacizumab)
Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)
Gemzar (gemcitabine)
Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)
Mitomycin
Navelbine (vinorelbine)
Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab)
Paraplatin (carboplatin)
Platinol (cisplatin)
Rheumatrex (methotrexate)
Sutent (sunitinib)
Taxol (paclitaxel)
Medical Marijuana
Care Providers
Clinical Trials
Anetumab Ravtansine
Atezolizumab
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell
Durvalumab
Immunotoxin
Interferon Alfa-2b
Onconase (Ranpirnase)
VISTA Protein
Costs
Immunotherapy
Nanotechnology
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Home Medical Equipment
HMGB1 Secretion
Photodynamic Therapy
Targeted Therapies
Apoptosis
Stem Cells
Lung Transplantation
Body-Based Therapies
Alternative Therapies
Paul Kraus’s Method
Doctors and Treatment in Canada
Asbestos Trusts
Veterans
VA Claims for Mesothelioma
Vietnam Veterans
Military Branches and Asbestos
Navy Veterans
Navy Ships
Aircraft Carriers
Battleships
Destroyers
Asbestos on Navy Cruisers
Submarines
Amphibious Ships
Minesweepers
Auxiliary Ships
Marine Corps Veterans
Army Veterans
Air Force Veterans
U.S. Coast Guard
Asbestos
Occupational Exposure
Construction Workers
Shipyard Workers
Ship Repair
Steel Mill Workers
Industrial Workers
Boiler Workers
Power Plant Workers
Firefighters
Automotive Workers
Roofers
Oil Refineries
Mining
Transportation Industry
Machine Operators
Farmers and Agricultural Workers
Migrant Workers
Electrical Wiring
Labor Unions
Prisons
Chimneys, Furnaces, and Wood Stoves
Fiberglass Connection to Mesothelioma
Home Remodeling
School Buildings, Teachers
For Tech Students
Cancer
Lung Cancer
Pleural Based Cancers
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits
Companies That Used Asbestos
Awareness and Education
Types of Asbestos & Mesothelioma Risk
Asbestosis
Interstitial Lung Disease
Smoking
Asbestos Ingestion
Exposure in a Natural Disaster
Ban Asbestos
Libby, Montana
Recycling Asbestos
Asbestos Detection
Legal Information by State
Canada
Mexico
United Kingdom
Australia
  • Malignant Mesothelioma
    • Treatment
    • Asbestos Trusts
  • Compensation
    • Veteran Assistance
    • Surviving Mesothelioma
  • FREE Mesothelioma Packet
    • Mesothelioma News
    • About Us / Contact
  • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Editorial Guidelines and Standards
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
The information provided by Mesothelioma.net is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Mesothelioma.net

5430 LBJ Freeway Suite 1200
Dallas, Texas 75240

Serving mesothelioma victims nationwide

1-800-692-8608

  • facebook
  • twitter
© 2022 Mesothelioma.net