The interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), are an extensive range of lung diseases, rather than a single disease entity. These diseases are often grouped together because they have similarities in clinical presentation, radiographic changes, physiological features, and symptoms. Despite their similarities, these diseases have a variety of aetiologies, treatments, and prognoses. The rate of onset of symptoms is very variable. Some patients present with long-standing radiological symptoms, often found opportunistically. Other patients present with acute onset symptoms, rapidly developing respiratory failure and ultimately progressing to death. This chapter covers the presentation, clinical findings, diagnosis, common causes, and associated investigations. Common ILDs are also described.
Management of Chronic Respiratory Failure in Interstitial Lung Diseases: Overview and Clinical Insights
