Interstitial Lung Disease

What is interstitial lung disease (ILD)?

Interstitial lung disease (ILD), also called childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD), is the broad name for a group of rare lung diseases that affect babies and children. Many of these conditions have similar symptoms and affect the lungs in a similar way. Some children with ILD are born with the condition, while others develop it during childhood. ILD can range from mild to life-threatening, and while some types get worse over time, others may stay the same or get better.

There are many types of ILDs in children. A few include:

• Alveolar capillary dysplasia
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• Bronchiolitis obliterans
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy
• Pulmonary hypoplasia
• Pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis
• Surfactant gene mutation-associated lung disease

What are the signs and symptoms of interstitial lung disease?

Symptoms of ILD in children may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Trouble breathing
• Rapid breathing
• Chronic cough
• Wheezing
• Crackling sound in the lungs
• Not gaining weight or growing
• Recurring pneumonia or bronchitis

What causes interstitial lung disease?

ILD can have a variety of causes, including genetics, environmental factors, certain medications, and some medical conditions, such as some autoimmune diseases and lung cancer.

How is interstitial lung disease treated?

There is no cure for ILD, and not one standard treatment for all children. The treatment your child receives will depend on their symptoms and specific type of ILD. Many children take medicines to help them breathe more easily and slow down lung damage. The goals of any treatment will include:

• Making sure your child gets enough oxygen
• Giving your child nutritional support to help them grow
• Slowing down or stopping lung damage