| Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) |
Gradual onset of dry cough and dyspnoea, fine inspiratory crackles, clubbing |
High-resolution CT (HRCT) scan showing honeycombing and reticular patterns, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) |
Antifibrotic agents (e.g., Pirfenidone, Nintedanib), pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, lung transplantation in advanced cases |
| Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) |
Recurrent exposure to organic dust, birds, or mold; symptoms worsen after exposure |
HRCT showing ground-glass opacities, poorly defined centrilobular nodules; bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) showing lymphocytosis |
Avoidance of antigen, corticosteroids for acute management, immunosuppressants for chronic cases |
| Sarcoidosis |
Systemic symptoms (fatigue, weight loss), erythema nodosum, bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy |
HRCT showing perilymphatic nodules, non-caseating granulomas on biopsy, elevated serum ACE levels |
Corticosteroids (first-line), immunosuppressants (e.g. methotrexate) for refractory cases, monitoring for organ involvement |
| Connective Tissue Disease-Associated ILD (e.g., Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis) |
Symptoms of underlying CTD (joint pain, skin thickening), dyspnoea on exertion |
HRCT showing ground-glass opacities, reticulations; autoantibody testing (ANA, RF); PFTs showing restrictive pattern |
Management of underlying CTD, immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil), antifibrotic therapy in progressive cases |
| Occupational Lung Disease (e.g., Asbestosis, Silicosis) |
History of exposure to asbestos, silica, or other industrial dusts; progressive dyspnoea, cough |
HRCT showing pleural plaques (asbestosis), nodular opacities (silicosis), lung biopsy if diagnosis is unclear |
Removal from exposure, supportive care (oxygen therapy), corticosteroids for symptomatic relief, monitoring for complications like lung cancer |
| Drug-Induced ILD |
History of use of drugs known to cause ILD (e.g., amiodarone, methotrexate); non-productive cough, dyspnoea |
HRCT showing diffuse alveolar damage, eosinophilia in blood or BAL, lung biopsy if diagnosis is unclear |
Discontinuation of the offending drug, corticosteroids in severe cases, supportive care, monitoring for resolution or progression |
| Radiation-Induced ILD |
History of chest radiation therapy, progressive dyspnoea, non-productive cough |
HRCT showing fibrosis confined to the radiation field, PFTs showing restrictive pattern |
Supportive care, corticosteroids in severe cases, monitoring for progression or resolution |