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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffInterstitial (in-tur-STISH-ul) lung disease actually describes a group of disorders, most of which cause progressive scarring of lung tissue. This eventually affects your ability to breathe and get enough oxygen into your bloodstream. Beyond this, the disorders vary greatly.
Most cases of interstitial lung disease develop gradually, but some come on suddenly. Doctors can pinpoint why some cases of interstitial lung disease occur, but many have no known cause.
In all cases, once lung scarring occurs, it's generally irreversible. Medications occasionally can slow the damage of interstitial lung disease, but many people never regain full use of their lungs. Researchers hope that newer drugs, many still experimental, may eventually prove more effective in treating interstitial lung disease.
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- Raghu G. Interstitial lung disease. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/138709448-4/843693028/1492/374.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50097-5--cesec72_3869. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- King TE. Approach to the adult with interstitial lung disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Interstitial lung diseases. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec05/ch055/ch055a.html. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Aggarwal N, et al. Interstitial lung disease. In: Nilsson K, et al. The Osler Medical Handbook. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/142440259-3/850406526/1387/103.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-03748-8..50092-0_1514. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Possible side effects of radiation therapy. American Cancer Society. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- King TE. Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Rosenow EC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 31, 2009.
