Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a group of lung problems that cause swelling and scarring in the lungs. This makes it harder for oxygen to get into your body and can make breathing difficult over time.
Causes
ILD can be caused by:
• Breathing in harmful things like dust, mold, or chemicals
• Autoimmune diseases (when your body attacks itself), like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Certain medicines or treatments, like chemotherapy
• Sometimes, doctors don’t know the cause—this is called idiopathic ILD
Symptoms
People with ILD may notice:
• Shortness of breath, especially when moving around
• A dry cough that doesn’t go away
• Feeling tired all the time
• Chest discomfort