Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Diagnosis

How are interstitial lungs diseases diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, the physician may also request the following tests:

Pulmonary function tests. Diagnostic tests that help to measure the lungs' ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide appropriately. The tests are usually performed with special machines into which the person must breathe. Two types of pulmonary function tests are:

Spirometry. A spirometer is a device used by your physician to assess lung function. Spirometry, the evaluation of lung function with a spirometer, is one of the simplest, most common pulmonary function tests and may be necessary for any/all of the following reasons:

To determine how well the lungs receive, hold, and utilize air
To monitor a lung disease
To monitor the effectiveness of treatment
To determine the severity of a lung disease
To determine whether the lung disease is restrictive (decreased airflow) or obstructive (disruption of airflow)

Diffusion Capacity. A test which measures the ability of the airsacs to allow oxygen to diffuse across the interstitium into the blood stream.

Chest X-rays. A diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
Blood tests. Arterial blood gas to analyze the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood.
High-resolution computed tomography scan (Also called an HRCT, CT, or CAT scan). A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce sharper and more detailed cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. HRCT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.
Bronchoscopy. The examination of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs) using a flexible tube (bronchoscope). Bronchoscopy helps to evaluate and diagnose lung problems, assess blockages, obtain samples of tissue and/or fluid, and/or to help remove a foreign body. Bronchoscopy may include a biopsy or bronchoalveolar lavage.
Bronchoalveolar lavage. To remove cells from the lower respiratory tract to help identify inflammation and exclude certain causes.
Lung biopsy. To remove tissue from the lung for examination in the pathology laboratory. VATS, video assisted thoracoscopic surgery, is the most common way to get lung tissue for biopsy for this group of diseases. It is done in the operating room using scopes through the chest wall to obtain tissue.