Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Care

Personalized Interstitial Lung Disease Care in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

For many types of interstitial lung disease (ILD), symptoms worsen over time and bring many daily challenges. You may have difficulty breathing and little energy to do the things you want to do. At UMass Memorial Health, our experienced specialists diagnose and treat even the most complex ILDs. We prioritize your needs, providing support and guidance at every step.

Specialized Expertise in Interstitial Lung Disease

Our pulmonologists have extensive expertise in the evaluation and management of ILD. Members of our team have helped develop international guidelines for ILD treatment and are pioneering research to improve care.

Types of Interstitial Lung Disease We Treat

ILD includes more than 200 lung diseases that cause inflammation and scarring (pulmonary fibrosis). These conditions limit how much your lungs can expand when you breathe in, making you feel short of breath. Severe ILDs can lead to lung failure.

We treat all ILDs, including these common types:

• Idiopathic ILDs: These ILDs do not have a known cause. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most common ILD and among the fastest progressing. 
• Autoimmune-related ILDs: These conditions are associated with connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. 
• Exposure-related ILDs: Causes of these ILDs include exposure to airborne substances, radiation and certain medications.

Diagnosing ILD

There is no single test for diagnosing ILD. We start by reviewing your symptoms and medical history and performing a physical exam. Laboratory, imaging and lung function tests, such as spirometry and lung diffusion testing, are also important parts of the diagnosis process.

Diagnosis may be straightforward or require a more in-depth evaluation. Although it may take time, our team is skilled in identifying disease patterns that point to a specific diagnosis.

ILD Treatments

Medications are the main treatment for ILD. We use different medications to slow disease progression and reduce inflammation in the lung.

For idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, antifibrotic medications can significantly slow lung scarring. Several options are available, including newer medicines with fewer side effects.

Your care may also include strategies to help improve your symptoms and quality of life, including:

• Exercise and nutrition counseling: Being active and getting proper nutrition are essential for people with ILD. We provide counseling on how to exercise safely and make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need. 
• Palliative care: We may recommend palliative care as part of your treatment plan, providing medications to relieve symptoms and other services to boost your well-being.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: You can participate in pulmonary rehabilitation in person or online. This service includes education and breathing exercises to reduce breathlessness and raise energy levels. 
• Respiratory therapy: Respiratory therapists provide supplemental oxygen and remote monitoring to track your blood oxygen levels. 
• Social work: Our social workers support you and your family in many ways. They help you cope with ILD, provide financial counseling and connect you to community resources. 
• Specialty pharmacy: Our pharmacy team helps you navigate insurance and financial issues to make sure you get the medications you need.
• Support groups: These groups can be a source of education, encouragement and connection with others experiencing similar challenges. Find an ILD support group.

As ILD progresses, your doctor may talk to you about considering a lung transplant. If you want to explore this treatment further, we can coordinate a referral to a transplant center.