How to Treat Interstitial Lung Disease

A disease characterized by progressive lung tissue scarring, interstitial lung disease makes it difficult for the patient to get enough oxygen while breathing. This disease can develop gradually over the course of time, creating irreversible damage. Medications can slow the rate of damage but most people do not regain full lung capacity. Read these steps about available treatments.

Instructions

1. Expect your physician to choose anti-inflammatory medications to help with symptoms. Unfortunately, these benefits often prove temporary even in people that have reversible lung changes. Side effects can include bone loss, elevated blood sugar levels, glaucoma and poor wound healing.

2. Try oxygen therapy, depending on the severity of your symptoms. This therapy makes breathing easier and may even lessen complications such as those seen with low oxygen blood levels. It can also lower blood pressure.

3. Ask your doctor about participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. This program helps you to understand pulmonary interstitial disease and its implications on your life. This program can help you focus on how to breathe efficiently and get proper exercise as well as provide emotional support.

4. Get a multifaceted health care team in order to provide the best approach to treating this disease. This team may include your doctor, rehabilitation specialist and other health care specialists that focus on education, exercise, nutritional guidance and emotional support.

5. Find out about the possibility of having a lung transplant if you have severe interstitial lung disease. You must be willing to follow all medical advice in order to have a lung transplant and be willing to be patient while waiting for a donor.

6. Quit smoking if you currently smoke. This important aspect of your treatment optimizes your long range health.

7. Follow all directions about how to enhance your pulmonary health including exercise, diet, medical therapy and emotional support for both you and your family.

Tips & Warnings

• To find a support group near you, contact American Lung Association at 800-LUNGUSA, or 800-586-4872, for more information.