Interstitial lung disease.Interstitial lung disease Interstitial lung disease About 180 diseases fall into this category of breathing disorders. Injury or foreign substances in the lungs (such as asbestos fibers) as well as infections, cancers, or inherited disorders may cause the diseases. (ILD (Inter Layer Dielectric) The insulation used between layers of aluminum or copper wire that interconnect the transistors in a chip. There are three to four layers in a memory chip and five to seven in a logic chip with hundreds of meters of wiring. ) refers to a number of different lung diseases that have been grouped together because of their common effects on the lungs: inflammation and fibrosis (scarring). Although many causes have been identified, in most instances, there is no clear cause for IDL (1) (Interface Definition Language) A language used to describe the interface to a routine or function. For example, objects in the CORBA distributed object environment are defined by an IDL, which describes the services performed by the object and how the data . Anyone can be affected by ILD, but as people age, their chances for developing this disease increase. Early recognition and collaboration between patient, doctor and specialist is important for managing this condition. What are the Causes? There are more than 150 conditions associated with ILD, but the causes are not certain. Triggering events for this disease include drugs, allergic reactions, infections, toxins, or autoimmune disorders Autoimmune Disorders Definition Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which a person's immune system attacks the body's own cells, causing tissue destruction. . Typically, ILD is found accidentally, often following a lung injury. Although most cases of ILD are idiopathic (unknown), work environments with a high number of toxins are a typical cause. What are the Common Symptoms? ILD is an "umbrella" term. Symptoms are non-specific, but include dry, crackling cough and breathlessness on exertion; however, fever and flu-like symptoms may also be present. Other than this, there are no characteristic symptoms for ILD, and it is important to note that cough and shortness of breath Shortness of Breath Definition Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a feeling of difficult or labored breathing that is out of proportion to the patient's level of physical activity. are also connected to a variety of other diseases. How is it Diagnosed? The patient plays an important role in diagnosing ILD. Along with family history and medication information, discussing the history of toxic, environmental, and occupational exposure is necessary. A physical exam and lab tests will also be used in diagnosis. As the causes are unknown, the key is a high degree of suspicion. How is it Prevented? Avoiding toxins in a work environment will help prevent ILD. ILD is also prevented by being aware of your family history and your lifestyle. Individuals who have a family history of lung disease and tobacco use have a higher chance of developing ILD. Most cases involve individuals over the age of 60, and treatment is sometimes delayed, so tell your doctor or specialist if symptoms appear. What Treatments are Available? As of 2000, ATS/ERS states that no specific treatment for ILD can be recommended. Treatments for ILD include steroids, but early referral to a specialist, care center, or transplant center is advised. In extreme cases, lung transplantation Lung Transplantation Definition Lung transplantation involves removal of one or both diseased lungs from a patient and the replacement of the lungs with healthy organs from a donor. may be suggested for certain individuals with ILD, but the likelihood of receiving a lung transplant lung transplant Surgery Transplant of a lung allograft into a Pt with failing lungs; 90 US centers perform LT; 35 centers perform ≥ 10/yr Mean wait time 18 months Indications COPD–eg, emphysema due to α1 is low. ILD management is challenging and dependent on a multidisciplinary team. For more information concerning ILD and other lung conditions, please visit http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/lung_disorders/. Taken in part from "A Clinician's Guide to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Lung Diseases." By Dr. Sonye K. Danoff et al, and "Thoughts on the Diagnosis and Management of Interstitial Lung Disease." By Joao A. de Andrade. Southern Medical Journal. June 2007. RELATED ARTICLE: Question: I have smoked for years, and now I'm afraid I may have lung cancer lung cancer, cancer that originates in the tissues of the lungs. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States in both men and women. Like other cancers, lung cancer occurs after repeated insults to the genetic material of the cell. . What should I do? Answer: If you haven't already, stop smoking immediately. Quitting greatly reduces your chances of developing lung cancer. Secondly, visit your primary care physician and share your concerns with him or her. While lung cancer is very common with over 213,000 new cases reported yearly, not all lung conditions are cancerous. Your doctor will need to perform several tests in order to determine what may be causing your symptoms. These symptoms, which are also symptoms of other lung diseases such as ILD, include the following: * Constant chest discomfort * Chronic cough chronic cough, n health condition characterized by either a lingering cough or a recurring cough lasting more than a month. , which continually gets worse * Shortness of breath, wheezing Wheezing Definition Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing. Description Wheezing occurs when a child or adult tries to breathe deeply through air passages that are narrowed or filled with mucus as a , or hoarseness * Coughing up blood * Recurrent problems with pneumonia or bronchitis. * Loss of appetite loss of appetite Medtalk Anorexia, see there or weight loss * Fatigue * Swelling of the neck and face Only your doctor can determine the best form of treatment, which is dependent on the type of lung condition and the stage at which the disease or cancer is first treated. Early intervention ear·ly intervention n. Abbr. EI A process of assessment and therapy provided to children, especially those younger than age 6, to facilitate normal cognitive and emotional development and to prevent developmental disability or delay. is extremely important no matter what the diagnosis. For more information about lung cancer, please see http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/lung. Betsy Allen, MA and Bridget Garland, MA |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion