What is the Difference Between Interstitial Lung Disease and Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary fibrosis are related but not the same. Here are the main differences between the two:

• Definition: ILD refers to a group of about 100 chronic lung disorders characterized by inflammation and scarring that make it hard for the lungs to get enough oxygen. Pulmonary fibrosis, on the other hand, describes a group of ILDs where there is lung scarring, causing the lungs to become progressively smaller and stiffer, making it difficult to breathe and reducing oxygen levels in the blood.
• Inflammation vs. Fibrosis: The distinguishing factor between the two is the presence of fibrosis (scarring) in pulmonary fibrosis, which is usually permanent and may get worse. In contrast, inflammation in ILD can improve with treatment.
• Causes: There are over 100 known causes of ILD and pulmonary fibrosis, including familial and genetic disorders, inhaled substances, infections, medications, and connective tissue diseases. The cause of IPF, a specific type of ILD, is unknown, although the body's immune response seems to play a major role.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms of ILD include shortness of breath, especially with activity, and a dry, hacking cough. Pulmonary fibrosis symptoms are similar but may also include breathlessness and, over long periods of time, respiratory and heart failure.
• Diagnosis: The diagnosis of ILD has become significantly more accurate due to minimal access procedures that use small incisions and video-endoscopic instruments to view the lungs and take biopsies.
• Treatment: The treatment for ILD depends on the specific cause and severity of the condition. Some forms of ILD respond to medicines that suppress inflammation, such as prednisone. However, IPF does not respond to these treatments and has a median survival of five years.

Comparative Table: Interstitial Lung Disease vs Pulmonary Fibrosis

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) and Pulmonary Fibrosis are both groups of lung diseases that involve inflammation and fibrosis of the lung tissue. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

Both ILD and Pulmonary Fibrosis involve inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue, but they differ in their specific clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic presentations, as well as their respective treatment approaches.