Interstitial Pneumonia

Interstitial pneumonia is diffuse inflammation/fibrosis of alveolar interstitium, with histologic/HRCT patterns: UIP (IPF), NSIP, COP (cryptogenic organizing pneumonia), RB-ILD, DIP, LIP. Clinical: progressive dyspnea, cough, bibasilar crackles, reduced DLCO. Treatment: classify pattern; identify cause (connective-tissue disease/hypersensitivity pneumonitis/drug/radiation); treat cause; systemic corticosteroids/immunosuppressants in inflammatory patterns; antifibrotics (pirfenidone/nintedanib) in IPF/UIP; oxygen; pulmonary rehab; transplant referral; treat comorbidities; monitor progression.

Common Symptoms

Progressive dyspnea/cough; bibasilar crackles; reduced DLCO; by UIP/NSIP/COP/RB-ILD/DIP/LIP

Causes and Pathogenesis

Autoimmune/hypersensitivity/drug/radiation/idiopathic causes interstitial inflammation and fibrosis.

Treatment

Classify pattern; treat cause; steroids/immunosuppressants; antifibrotics if IPF; oxygen/rehab/transplant

Preventive Measures

Avoid drugs/irritants; treat CTD/hypersensitivity; smoking cessation.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Pulmonology/Rheumatology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.