Interstitial lung diseases in questions and answers

Czech version

Authors: M. Šterclová; M. Vašáková
Published in: Prakt. Lék. 2011; 91(12): 707-709
Category: Various Specialization

Overview

Due to the increasing incidence of interstitial lung diseases, patients with this type of lung involvement are more often seen at general practitioners’ surgeries. The following article highlights the important information from a patient’s history, which should be targeted during examination. The common symptoms of interstitial lung diseases are discussed.

After history assessment and clinical examination, the general practitioner should formulate a suspicion of lung disease. Patient should be referred to a respiratory specialist, who either confirms or rules out interstitial lung disease. Centres specializing in interstitial lung diseases provide a diagnostic program and suggest treatment possibilities.

Early diagnosis and treatment may significantly improve the prognosis of some patients. There has been no effective treatment of several interstitial lung diseases namely idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Prompt diagnosis may help to select candidates for lung transplantation, which may extend life and improve its quality in appropriate patients.

Key words:
interstitial lung diseases, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, dyspnoea, cough.

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