Interstial Lung Disease
Description
A progressive scarring of the lung. There are many causes such as infections, exposure to toxins, radiation, and certain medications. Sometimes the doctors cannot determine why the disorder occurs. If the condition progresses the patient will not be able to supply oxygen to their blood. Patients can develop elevated blood pressure in their pulmonary arteries, and the right side of their heart can fail leading to respiratory failure and death.
Symptoms
Breathing problems, shortness of breath, a dry cough, wheezing, chest pain, blue discoloration of the skin (cyanosis).
Tests
A history and physical exam will be done. A bronchoscopy or lung biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. An xray and CT scan may be done as well as a test to measure how well the lungs work (pulmonary function tests). A blood test to measure the amount of oxygen on the blood is usually done.
- ABG
- Bronchoscopy
- CT Scan
- Pulmonary function Tests
- X-Ray
Treatment
There is no cure for this disorder. Treatment is aimed at reducing the amount of scarring that takes place. Medications used include steroids and other chemo-therapy like drugs. Oxygen is used to help prevent the elevated blood pressure of the pulmonary artery and right sided heart failure. Severe case may require a lung transplant surgery.
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