The right treatment for your Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) will depend on the underlying cause, the severity of your disease and your general health. It is crucial to have an accurate diagnosis to ensure the most effective treatment programme is selected.
Our specialist multi-disciplinary team will develop a bespoke treatment plan to manage your symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
The treatment options include:
Avoiding irritants: Lung irritants, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, toxins, and some medications, can cause ILD. Changing your lifestyle to quit smoking and avoid irritant chemicals can help slow the progression of ILD and reduce your symptoms.
Medications: Depending on the underlying cause of your ILD, your consultant may prescribe medication to help reduce inflammation, suppress the immune system, or improve breathing. Drugs used include:
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants
- Innovative anti-fibrotic drugs, including Pirfenidone and Nintedanib. These have been shown in studies to slow down the rate of disease progression in people with IPF. Exciting new research also indicates that anti-fibrotic drugs can also benefit progressive ILD not caused by IPF.
Oxygen: Oxygen supplementation, when needed, can help you breathe more comfortably.
Pulmonary rehabilitation: Specialist physiotherapists can support your pulmonary rehabilitation. They can help with exercise training, breathing techniques and mucous clearance. They can also help you learn how to manage your condition to improve your breathing, function and quality of life.
Lung transplantation: If your lung disease is advanced, a lung transplant may become necessary.