Diffuse interstitial lung disease What is it?

Diffuse interstitial lung disease encompasses a group of lung diseases that affect the interstitium, that is a connective tissue that forms the supporting structure of the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs. In someone normal, on inhalation, the alveoli fill with air and oxygen passes into the blood. When exhaled, carbon dioxide passes from the blood into the alveoli to be expelled from the body. When such interstitial disease is present, the lung becomes inflamed and stiff, bringing difficulty for the alveoli to fully expand. This limits the supply of oxygen to the blood as the removal of carbon dioxide from the body. As the disease progresses, the interstitium and the walls of the alveoli, thicken, further impeding the function of this exchange.

How to evaluate and diagnose diffuse interstitial lung disease?

Therefore, the doctor must perform a physical exam and diagnostic tests, including:

• Blood tests: These help identify autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis, which are commonly associated with interstitial lung disease.

• Spirometry is a test to test lung function in which the patient exhales quickly and forcefully through a tube connected to a machine that measures how much air the lungs can hold, and how quickly air moves in and out of the lungs. Spirometry can help you know if there is a problem getting air into your lungs

• Pulse oximetry: This test uses a small device placed on your fingertips to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. It emits a specific wavelength of light, which passes through the fingertips to measure the amount of oxygen.

How is diffuse interstitial lung disease treated?

Treatment will depend on the cause of the interstitial disease and the patient's current state of health. Various medications may be prescribed to lower inflammation in the lungs and to help the immune system. Oxygen or respiratory therapy may be offered to help improve lung function. Some patients with advanced lung disease may even require a lung transplant.

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Information base: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/