Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of conditions that inflame or scar the lung tissue. Recognising interstitial lung disease symptoms early allows earlier evaluation by a lung specialist.
Quick answer: ILD
- Main symptoms: slowly worsening breathlessness and a dry cough.
- Causes include autoimmune diseases, environmental exposures, some medicines and unknown causes.
- Diagnosis uses history, examination, lung function tests and high-resolution CT scans.
- Early specialist review helps guide treatment and monitoring.
Common symptoms
- Breathlessness on exertion that gradually worsens
- Persistent dry cough
- Tiredness
- Crackling sounds heard by the doctor when listening to the chest
- Finger clubbing in some people
Possible causes
| Group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Autoimmune conditions | Rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and others |
| Environmental and work exposures | Certain dusts, moulds, bird antigens |
| Medicines and treatments | Some drugs and radiation therapy |
| Unknown cause | Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and others |
How ILD is diagnosed
A pulmonologist takes a detailed history of exposures and symptoms, examines the chest, and may arrange lung function tests, oxygen measurement and a high-resolution CT scan. Sometimes further tests are needed. Treatment and monitoring depend on the type of ILD.
When to see a lung specialist
If you have slowly worsening breathlessness or a dry cough for weeks, especially with an autoimmune condition or relevant exposure, see a lung specialist in Prayagraj for evaluation.
Meet Dr. Rakesh Singh Maurya
Dr. Rakesh Singh Maurya is a Pulmonologist & Critical Care Specialist in Prayagraj (Allahabad). He holds MBBS, MD and DM (Pulmonary Critical Care, VPCI Delhi) qualifications and is an Assistant Professor at MLN Medical College, Prayagraj.
He is associated with Kamla Multispeciality Hospital, Tagore Town, Prayagraj, where the hospital lists him among its critical-care specialists. The hospital's critical-care department provides care for serious conditions including respiratory distress or respiratory failure and offers respiratory support such as ventilator, BiPAP and CPAP management.
Clinic / Hospital
Kamla Multispeciality Hospital151/38 Anukul Chandra Banerji Marg, Opposite Banshi Bhavan Guest House
Tagore Town, Prayagraj
Uttar Pradesh – 211002
Hospital phone: 92502 40640
Additional contact: +91 92502 40640
Consultation clinic: 48 JLN Road, George Town, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211011
Frequently asked questions
What is interstitial lung disease?
A group of conditions that cause inflammation or scarring of lung tissue, making breathing harder.
What are the first symptoms of ILD?
Gradually worsening breathlessness on exertion and a persistent dry cough.
Is lung fibrosis the same as ILD?
Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring of the lungs and is one form of interstitial lung disease.
How is ILD diagnosed?
With history, examination, lung function tests and high-resolution CT scanning, plus further tests if needed.
Can ILD be treated?
Treatment depends on the type and may slow progression, ease symptoms and support breathing.
Can ILD be caused by work exposure?
Yes. Certain dusts, moulds and other exposures can cause ILD, so work history is important.
Looking for a pulmonologist in Prayagraj?
If you have persistent cough, recurring wheeze, unexplained breathlessness, repeated chest infections, asthma or COPD concerns, sleep-related breathing problems or another ongoing respiratory symptom, discuss it with a qualified pulmonologist in Prayagraj (Allahabad). Dr. Rakesh Singh Maurya, Pulmonologist & Critical Care Specialist, is associated with Kamla Multispeciality Hospital.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual medical consultation. For appointments and current consultation information, contact the hospital or clinic directly.