Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
As part of the Department of Medicine, our intensivists work closely with other specialists to offer world-class patient care, research programs and education and training opportunities.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Care
Comprehensive Care for ILD at Lahey
Lahey Clinic provides advanced diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for people with interstitial lung disease (ILD), tailored to each person’s needs.
ILD often requires input from experts across multiple specialties. At Lahey, your care team may include pulmonologists, radiologists, rheumatologists, pathologists and immunologists who work together through regular multidisciplinary conferences to create the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
What Is Interstitial Lung Disease?
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of lung conditions that cause inflammation or scarring in the tissue around the air sacs of the lungs. This can make the lungs stiffer and make it harder for oxygen to move into the bloodstream.
Common symptoms of ILD include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Low oxygen levels
- Reduced ability to exercise or stay active
CT scans of the lungs are an important tool for diagnosing ILD.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is a type of ILD that causes scarring in the lungs. It is often progressive, meaning it can worsen over time.
Pulmonary fibrosis may be caused by chronic inflammation, environmental exposures, autoimmune disease, or sometimes no clear cause. Because lung scarring is usually permanent, early diagnosis and treatment are important.
Interstitial Lung Abnormalities (ILA)
Sometimes CT scans done for other reasons show changes in the lungs that may suggest early ILD. These findings are called interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA).
Not all ILA develops into ILD, but early evaluation can be important. Lahey Clinic offers specialized follow-up through our Lung Health Program.
More About Interstitial Lung Disease
Causes and Risk Factors
ILD may be linked to:
- Smoking
- Environmental or workplace exposures
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma
- Certain medications
- Unknown causes, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
Treatment for ILD
Treatment depends on the type and severity of ILD. Options may include:
- Medications to reduce inflammation
- Anti-fibrotic medications to slow scarring
- Oxygen therapy
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Ongoing monitoring and supportive care
Your treatment plan is personalized to your condition and goals.
How ILD Is Diagnosed
There is no single test for ILD. Diagnosis may include:
- Chest CT scans
- Pulmonary function testing
- Blood tests
- Review by Lahey’s multidisciplinary ILD team
Clinical Trials
Lahey participates in clinical trials studying new treatments and diagnostic approaches for pulmonary fibrosis and other ILD conditions. If appropriate, your care team can discuss research opportunities with you.
Meet the Team
