Last Updated on October 22, 2025 by Analgesia team
ILD Full Form
ILD stands for interstitial lung disease, which is a group of lung disorders that cause scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs. This scarring makes it hard to breathe and get oxygen into the bloodstream.
Types of Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a large group of disorders that cause inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs. This scarring makes it harder for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream, leading to shortness of breath, a dry cough, and fatigue. The conditions differ by cause, severity, and how quickly they progress.
Here are the main types:
1. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
A chronic and progressive form of ILD where lung tissue becomes thickened and stiff without a known cause. It’s also called cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA) or usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP). Over time, the scarring worsens, making breathing increasingly difficult.
2. Asbestosis
Caused by long-term inhalation of asbestos fibres, usually in construction or industrial settings. The fibres damage lung tissue, leading to inflammation and fibrosis that can develop years after exposure.
3. Sarcoidosis
A multisystem inflammatory condition where tiny clumps of cells called granulomas form in organs — most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. In some cases, these granulomas cause scarring that impairs lung function.
4. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis (NSIP)
Often linked to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma. NSIP involves uniform inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue and can improve with treatment if detected early.
5. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP)
Also known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA), this type occurs when the lungs react to inhaled organic particles — such as mould, bird proteins, or farm dust. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic inflammation and permanent fibrosis.
6. Silicosis
An occupational lung disease caused by inhaling fine particles of crystalline silica, commonly found in mining, construction, and quarrying. Repeated exposure damages the lung tissue and leads to progressive scarring.
7. Drug-induced lung disease
Some medications — including certain chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and radiation treatments — can trigger lung inflammation or fibrosis as a side effect. The damage may improve if the offending drug is stopped early.
Other types of ILD include: Pulmonary vasculitis, Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis (LCH), Lupus-related lung disease, and Collagen Vascular associated Disease (CVA-ILD).
What is the main cause of ILD?
The cause of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is often unknown, but it can be caused by a number of factors. These include:
- Environment: Exposure to dust, chemicals, mould, bacteria, and air pollution
- Lifestyle: Smoking, illegal drugs, and other unhealthy habits
- Medications: Some antibiotics, heart medications, chemotherapy drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Family history: Having a close relative with ILD increases your risk
- Other medical conditions: Autoimmune diseases, connective tissue disorders, and viral infections
- Genes: Mutations in genes that control lung development
Symptoms include shortness of breath, dry cough, chest discomfort, fatigue, and weight loss.
ILD Treatment
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) treatment depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. Treatments can help with breathing, prevent further damage, and improve quality of life.
Lifestyle changes
- Avoid substances that cause ILD, like smoking
- Exercise regularly, such as walking, swimming, or cycling
- Do strength-building exercises
Medications
- Bronchodilators: Relax the muscles around the airways
- Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation in the lungs
- Antifibrotics: Slow down lung damage
- Cyclophosphamide: Suppresses the immune system
- Pirfenidone (Esbriet): Slows the worsening of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
- Nintedanib (Ofev): Slows the worsening of IPF and other types of ILD
- Methotrexate: Has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects
Oxygen therapy
- Delivers extra oxygen to make breathing easier
- Protects the body from complications of low oxygen levels
Pulmonary rehabilitation improves lung efficiency and physical endurance and offers emotional support.
Lung transplant
- Replaces a diseased lung with a healthy lung from a donor
- Considered in extreme cases
Complications
- Lung damage is often irreversible and gets worse over time
What is the life expectancy of ILD
The life expectancy for someone with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) can vary widely depending on the specific type of ILD, its severity, and the individual’s overall health. Generally, ILD can be a progressive condition, and some forms, like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), have a median survival time of about 3 to 5 years after diagnosis. However, others may progress more slowly or respond well to treatment, leading to a longer life expectancy.
In a recent study of factors affecting mortality in ILD published in ESR, it was found that the average age at death was around 50 years of age. A total of 90 patients diagnosed with ILD were admitted to the Department of Chest Medicine from May 2013 to May 2015. Out of this, a total of 22 deaths due to ILD occurred in this period