DEFINITION: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of conditions that cause inflammation and scarring in your lungs. The scarring often leads to breathing problems, which can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of ILD include shortness of breath and a dry cough. ILD can be caused by medication, radiation therapy, connective tissue diseases or inhaling harmful substances. COPD is a different lung disease.
Consult with a knowledgeable pulmonologist. (Locally the tech that did my first pulmonary function test said I had COPD when I had pulmonary fibrosis and the signing pulmonologist did not read the report)