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Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

A group of diseases causing fibrosis of the pulmonary parenchyma/interstitium, resulting in restrictive defects on pulmonary function.

Interstitial Space

Loose connective tissue throughout the lung, subdivided into bronchovascular, parenchymal, and subpleural regions.

Diagnosis of ILD

Combination of radiographic features and clinical signs/symptoms, with fibrosis as a radiographic hallmark and hypoxemia as a clinical hallmark.

Classification of ILD

Based on aetiology, radiology, and histology, with radiology classified by zones of fibrosis.

Occupational/Environmental Lung Diseases

Pneumoconiosis from inhalation of dusts/particles, categorized into inorganic (e.g., asbestosis, silicosis) and organic (e.g., hypersensitivity pneumonitis).

Pathogenesis of Pneumoconiosis

Inhaled particles causing lung destruction and fibrosis, influenced by various factors like size, shape, and duration of exposure.

Specific Pneumoconioses

Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis, Silicosis, and Asbestosis, each with distinct characteristics and complications.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

Chronic fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause, characterized by persistent alveolar wall injury and fibroblast proliferation.

Sarcoidosis

Multisystem granulomatous disease with unknown cause, presenting with respiratory symptoms, lymphadenopathy, and non-caseating granulomas on biopsy.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Immune-mediated lung disease from organic antigen exposure, leading to pulmonary fibrosis and managed by allergen avoidance and steroids.