Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Autoimmunity
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a group of disorders that cause inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly. When ILD occurs in association with autoimmune or connective tissue diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Scleroderma, or Myositis , it is referred to as Autoimmune-Related ILD .
Understanding Autoimmune ILD
In autoimmune ILD, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks lung tissues, leading to progressive inflammation, fibrosis, and respiratory symptoms . This can significantly affect oxygen exchange and overall respiratory health if not detected and managed early.
Diagnosis and Assessment
Dr. Vishal Kaura Aggarwal uses a comprehensive diagnostic approach involving clinical evaluation, high-resolution CT scans , pulmonary function tests, and autoimmune markers to identify ILD and its underlying cause. Early detection is crucial to prevent irreversible lung damage.
Treatment Approach
The treatment of autoimmune ILD focuses on reducing inflammation and slowing fibrosis progression . Depending on the underlying autoimmune condition, therapy may include:
- Immunosuppressive or corticosteroid therapy
- Targeted biologic medications for immune modulation
- Oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation
- Regular monitoring of lung function and imaging