Interstitial Lung Disease: A Tertiary Care Center Experience

Objective: To evaluate the clinical profile of Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Diseases with reference to the presenting symptoms and clinical course in a tertiary care teaching institution. The diagnosis of specific form of interstitial lung disease and management of the same to achieve stabilization of the disease is quite challenging to the clinicians. The present study was undertaken in view of the paucity of clinical data on Interstitial lung disease (ILD). Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study of patients with the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease over a period of two years in a tertiary care center. Patients with complaints of cough and breathlessness showing radiological features suggestive of interstitial lung disease were included in the study Results: 26 patients were diagnosed as having interstitial lung disease during the study period. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was the most common finding. Conclusion: Lack of recognition at an early stage lead to delayed diagnosis in most of the patients.