Interstitial Lung Disease
- Treatments
Treatment for ILD depends on the underlying cause.
Medications used may include:
- Immunosuppressants such as Corticosteroids – this reduces the amount of inflammation in your lungs and the rest of your body
- Anti fibrotics – this helps to slow the rate of scarring (fibrosis) and deterioration in your lungs
Non-medication treatments involve:
Pulmonary rehabilitation programme – helps strengthen breathing muscles and manage breathing difficulties. Structured and supervised exercise training with education, support and self-management strategies
- Oxygen therapy – supplemental oxygen may improve activity levels. In some cases, patients may require long term oxygen therapy
Updated vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcus reduce the risk of
infections which can worsen breathlessness and other symptoms
