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Why choose Geisinger for interstitial lung disease care?

Interstitial lung disease describes a group of 200+ conditions that affect the interstitium — the network of tissue that supports the air sacs in your lungs. When that tissue’s inflamed or scarred, the air sacs don't work as well, so it’s harder for you to breathe.

When you see a pulmonologist (a lung doctor), they'll ask questions about your symptoms, do an exam and order tests. Together you’ll build a treatment plan to slow lung damage, ease symptoms and improve your quality of life. Recommendations may include lifestyle changes, medication, pulmonary rehab, oxygen therapy and sometimes surgery.

With specialists available at clinics and hospitals in central and northeastern PA, you won't have to travel far to get the care you need. Plus, extended clinic hours and minimal wait times let you schedule appointments that work for you.

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FAQs

What’s interstitial lung disease?

Interstitial lung disease is the name for a larger group of conditions that affect the interstitium, a network of lung tissue that supports the air sacs that help you breathe. These conditions cause inflammation, scarring and thickening of the tissue around the air sacs. When the air sacs are damaged, they don't work as well, causing breathing issues.

What are the types of interstitial lung disease?

There are more than 200 types of interstitial lung disease. Some include: 

  • Asbestosis: This is inflammation and scarring caused by breathing in asbestos.
  • Bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP): BOOP is also called cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP). It causes inflammation in the small airways and air sacs.
  • Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis: This is inflammation in the lungs often caused by heavy smoking.
  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: This starts with scar tissue that grows for an unknown reason in the interstitium.
  • Interstitial pneumonia: This occurs when certain bacteria, viruses or fungi infect the interstitium.
  • Sarcoidosis: This causes inflammation in the interstitium and may also affect the lymph nodes, heart, skin, eyes and nerves.

What are the symptoms of interstitial lung disease?

Shortness of breath is the most common symptom. It usually develops slowly and can worsen over time. Other symptoms may include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Discomfort in the chest
  • Dry cough
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss

Because symptoms can vary and overlap with other conditions, we recommend seeing your doctor to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

What causes interstitial lung disease?

In most cases, the exact cause is unknown. But certain medical conditions, medications and environmental exposures may raise your risk, including:

  • Autoimmune disorders that affect the lungs, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or scleroderma
  • Certain antibiotics, heart medications, anti-inflammatory drugs and chemotherapy
  • Breathing in toxins or pollutants like dust, asbestos, coal or mold

Other risk factors include:

  • Age: It’s more likely to affect adults.
  • Occupation: Mining, farming, construction and other fields with toxin exposure raise risk.
  • Smoking: Some forms are more common in people who smoke, and smoking can make symptoms worse.
  • GERD: Those with gastroesophageal reflux disease may be at increased risk.
  • Radiation treatments: Previous radiation therapy for cancer may increase risk.

How do you diagnose interstitial lung disease?

Your doctor will do a physical exam, review your medical history and may order tests including:

  • Spirometry: Measures how much air you breathe in and out and how fast you exhale.
  • Chest X-ray: Shows the condition of your lungs and heart and can help rule out other causes.
  • Chest CT scan: Provides a more detailed look at your lungs. A high-resolution CT may be used to examine the interstitium more closely.
  • Lung biopsy: A small amount of lung tissue is examined under a microscope. When possible, this is done through a minimally invasive bronchoscopy.

How do you treat interstitial lung disease?

Your care team will work with you to create a plan focused on slowing lung damage, helping you breathe easier and improving your quality of life. Depending on your type of interstitial lung disease, treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy or surgery.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

During pulmonary rehabilitation, a team of pulmonologists, nurses, dietitians and respiratory therapists help you learn how to better manage your interstitial lung disease. Pulmonary rehab can help you find relief from your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Do I need oxygen therapy?

If you aren’t getting enough oxygen in your blood, your doctor may recommend you use supplemental oxygen (like a small, portable oxygen tank). Based on your condition, you may need to use oxygen all the time or only some of the time.

Interstitial lung disease care at Geisinger

Here, your pulmonology team can help slow the decline in your lung function and manage symptoms through supportive treatment. We offer:

  • Knowledge and experience: Your pulmonology team’s years of experience give them the knowledge to diagnose, treat and help you manage interstitial lung disease.
  • Personalized care: When you need treatment for interstitial lung disease, your lung doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan just for you so you can breathe easier and slow the damage to your lungs.
  • Convenient locations and appointments: You can see Geisinger pulmonologists at clinics and hospitals in central or northeastern Pennsylvania, so you don’t have to travel far to get the care you need. We also offer extended clinic hours and minimal wait times to make getting care easier to schedule.