This article covers helpful information about interstitial lung disease (also known as ILD). The disease encompasses an extensive group of conditions of which the majority leads to progressive scarring and inflammation of lung tissue. Basically your lung tissue stiffens and thickens, causing difficulty for your lungs to expand and fill with air. An individual with ILD is not getting enough oxygen into their bloodstream, therefore struggle to breathe. Another common symptom is a dry, bothersome cough.
But what causes ILD?
ILD can be caused by many different factors, including ongoing exposure to hazardous chemicals like asbestos. Certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to ILD. In some cases, the causes are unknown and therefore the treatment is varied. For some the disease progresses over a long period while for others it could progress rapidly.
Primary Causes of ILD
The exact causes for the disease is not known, but contributing factors include:
- Long-term exposure to hazardous chemicals such as asbestos
- Smoking
- Particular medications or drugs
- Some collagen or connective tissue diseases and sarcoidosis
- Family history
- Radiation treatment
- Certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis
- Being exposed to certain environmental or work-related substances like inorganic or organic dust
Is There a Cure of Interstitial Lung Disease?
Unfortunately there is no cure for ILD. Once the lungs are scarred, the effects are irreversible. However, there are natural remedies and prescribed treatments you can follow to manage your symptoms. Certain medicines can slow down the damage to your lungs but few people are able to use their lungs fully again, unless you have a lung transplant.
Symptoms of Interstitial Lung Disease
As mentioned, ILD can run a rapid or gradual course. Individuals will also experience varied symptoms that ranges from mild to moderate or severe. The disease might remain the same over a long period in time and then rapidly change. It’s difficult to predict the course of ILD because the disease is too unpredictable.
Most Commonplace ILD Symptoms
- Shortness of breath and struggling to breathe
- Ongoing dry cough
- Chest pain
- Difficulty exercising
- Weakness, fatigue, and feeling lethargic
- Painful muscles and joints
- Weight loss
- Headaches
- Fingertip and toe clubbing (getting rounder and wider at the ends)
- Pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs)
- Edema (swelling) in the lower legs
- Insomnia
- In some cases allergic reactions and/or fever
How do You Know Your ILD is in an Advanced Stage?
Symptoms of ILD that has advanced or are in it’s end stage may include:
- Confusion as a result of excessive dioxide levels in your bloodstream
- Constant fatigue
- Quick, rapid breathing
- Difficulty to breathe / breathlessness
Treatment for Interstitial Lung Disease
Since there is no actual cure for ILD, the aim of treatment is to prevent further lung scarring and to manage your symptoms. Treatment will vary from one person to the next, due to the different causes. The lung scarring that has already happened cannot be reversed.
Prescribed Treatment
Prescribed treatments might include:
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Lung transplant
- Oxygen therapy (with portable containers)
- Oral medications like corticosteroids for inflammation and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) to subdue your immune system
Getting pneumococcal and flu shots once yearly can assist with pneumonia and flu prevention. Pneumococcal bacteria can result in minor issues like an ear infection, however, it can progress into life-threatening diseases like pneumonia (lung-related), meningitis (brain-related), or bacteremia (blood-related). Anyone can contract pneumococcal disease, but individuals that have the highest risk include, elderly people over 65, children under 2, smokers, and those with particular medical conditions.
While conventional treatments like oxygen therapy or corticosteroids play an integral role in managing ILD, some seek holistic and natural remedies for additional support. It’s vital to keep in mind that these remedies should not be used as substitutes for prescribed treatments. They are there mainly followed for their supportive advantage, in particular, improving lung function, quality of life, and inflammation relief.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
5 Natural or Holistic Treatments for Interstitial Lung Disease
1. Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation involves education, certain breathing techniques, and exercise training. The program encompasses gentle movement like stationary cycling or walking in conjunction with breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing. The aim is to adopt a body-mind approach to manage ILD symptoms more comfortably.
2. Following a Healthy Eating Plan Rich in Anti-Inflammatory Foods
An anti-inflammatory diet includes plenty fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and less read meats and processed foods. Chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in various ILD’s. Foods like fish, flaxseed, and walnuts contain Omega-3 fatty acids that has anti-inflammatory properties. Green leafy vegetables, berries, and turmeric are also excellent examples of foods that manage inflammation naturally.
3. Mind-Body Exercises
These include exercises like mindfulness meditation, yoga, Thai Chi, and guided imagery. Studies revealed that mindful exercises for stress relief can improve the psychological perception and well-being of breathlessness in individuals that suffer from chronic respiratory ailments. Stress can aggravate breathlessness but mind-body exercises can assist with calming the nervous system and encouraging breathing patterns.
4. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient holistic medicine practice that originates from China. It involves inserting fine needles into specific pressure points on the body. Certain studies suggest that acupuncture can enhance shortness of breath (dyspnea) in ILD individuals, however more research is needed on the subject.
Note: Only seek treatment from licensed acupuncturists who are familiar with treating respiratory conditions.
5. Environmental Control and Improve Air Quality
Limiting exposure to airborne irritants like dust, pollutants, smoke, and other allergens. Air pollution worsen ILD progression and symptoms. You can steer clear from wood-burning stoves, use an HEPA-approved air purifier at home, and wear high-quality protective masks in dusty and polluted areas.
Final Thoughts
Interstitial lung disease cannot be cured and the damage to your lung tissue cannot be reversed, However, you can manage your system with prescribed treatment as well as natural remedies for supportive care. These holistic remedies can lower inflammation, enhance emotional well-being, and ultimately enhance quality of life.
If you are suffering from ILD, consider implementing these natural remedies into your lifestyle. However, always seek advice from your healthcare provider before doing so. A personalized, natural approach in conjunction with your current treatment plan can empower you to breathe easier and manage the disease more confortably.
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