Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease is a general category that includes many different lung conditions. All interstitial lung diseases affect the interstitium, a part of the lungs’ anatomic structure.

The interstitium is a lace-like network of tissue that extends throughout both lungs. The interstitium provides support to the lungs’ microscopic air sacs (alveoli). Tiny blood vessels travel through the interstitium, allowing gas exchange between blood and the air in the lungs. Normally, the interstitium is so thin it can’t be seen on chest X-rays or CT scans.

Types of Interstitial Lung Disease

All forms of interstitial lung disease cause thickening of the interstitium. The thickening can be due to inflammation, scarring, or extra fluid (edema). Some forms of interstitial lung disease are short-lived; others are chronic and irreversible.

Some of the types of interstitial lung disease include:

Interstitial pneumonia: Bacteria, viruses, or fungi may infect the interstitium of the lung. A bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumonia is the most common cause.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis : A chronic, progressive form of fibrosis (scarring) of the interstitium. Its cause is unknown.

Nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis: Interstitial lung disease that’s often present with autoimmune conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma).

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Interstitial lung disease caused by ongoing inhalation of dust, mold, or other irritants.

Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP): A pneumonia-like interstitial lung disease but without an infection present. COP is also called bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP).

Acute interstitial pneumonitis: A sudden, severe interstitial lung disease, often requiring life support.

Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis: An interstitial lung disease that’s partially caused by smoking.

Sarcoidosis : A condition causing interstitial lung disease along with swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes heart, skin, nerve, or eye involvement.

Asbestosis: Interstitial lung disease caused by asbestos exposure.

Causes of Interstitial Lung Disease

Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are known to cause interstitial pneumonias. Regular exposures to inhaled irritants at work or during hobbies can also cause some interstitial lung disease. These irritants include:

  • Asbestos
  • Silica dust
  • Talc
  • Coal dust, or various other metal dusts from working in mining
  • Grain dust from farming
  • Bird proteins (such as from exotic birds, chickens, or pigeons)
  • Drugs such as nitrofurantoin, amiodarone, bleomycin and many others can rarely cause interstitial lung disease.
  • All told, these factors cause a small percentage of interstitial lung disease. The cause of most interstitial lung disease is unknown.
  • Who is at risk from interstitial lung disease? Anyone can develop interstitial lung disease. Men and women of any age can be affected. Interstitial lung disease is more common in people with autoimmune disease, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.

 

Treatments for Interstitial Lung Disease

Treatments for interstitial lung disease vary according to the type of interstitial lung disease and its cause.

Antibiotics : These are effective treatments for most interstitial pneumonias. Azithromycin (Zithromax) and levofloxacin (Levaquin) eliminate the bacteria that cause most interstitial pneumonias. Viral pneumonias usually resolve on their own. Fungal pneumonias are rare, but can be treated with antifungal drugs.

Corticosteroids: In some forms of interstitial lung disease, ongoing inflammation in the lungs causes damage and scarring. Corticosteroids like prednisone and methylprednisolone reduce the activity of the immune system. This reduces the amount of inflammation in the lungs and the rest of the body.

Inhaled oxygen: In people with low oxygen blood levels due to interstitial lung disease, inhaled oxygen may improve symptoms. Regular use of oxygen might also protect the heart from damage caused by low oxygen levels.

Lung transplant : In advanced interstitial lung disease causing severe impairment, a lung transplant may be the best option. Most people undergoing lung transplant for interstitial lung disease make large gains in quality of life and their ability to exercise.

Azathioprine (Imuran): This drug also suppresses the immune system. It has never been proven to improve interstitial lung disease, but some studies suggest it might help.

N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst): This potent antioxidant may slow the decline of lung function in some forms of interstitial lung disease. It does not improve people’s survival from interstitial lung disease, however.

Other less often-used treatments for interstitial lung disease include:

  • Cyclophosphamide(Cytoxan)
  • Methotrexate
  • Cyclosporine

These medicines suppress the immune system significantly. They may be used in some cases of interstitial lung disease while monitoring for side effects.