If you work around asbestos or other toxic substances, your risk for interstitial lung disease increases. At LungDocs, pulmonary specialist Rajesh Shetty, MD, provides comprehensive care for interstitial lung disease, including onsite diagnostic testing and customized treatment services. The providers specialize in long-term management of interstitial lung disease using strategies like oxygen therapy and medications. Call the Kyle or New Braunfels, Texas, office to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of interstitial lung disease, or book an appointment online today.
Interstitial lung disease is a group of lung disorders that causes progressive scarring of lung tissue. The buildup of scar tissue affects your ability to take in enough oxygen to support the function of your body.
Scar tissue develops in your lungs when your body’s natural healing process is dysfunctional and produces excess tissue. Underlying medical conditions that can contribute to interstitial lung disease include sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.
Your risk for developing interstitial lung disease also increases if you have a history of smoking or long-term exposure to environmental pollutants like asbestos or silica.
Once scarring on your lungs occurs, the condition is typically irreversible. The LungDocs providers offer customized treatment plans to improve your breathing and prevent the progression of interstitial lung disease.
Generally, symptoms of interstitial lung disease only become noticeable when there’s already damage in your lungs. Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at LungDocs if you have symptoms of interstitial lung disease, such as a dry cough or shortness of breath, even when you’re at rest.
The providers offer comprehensive testing services onsite to confirm that your symptoms relate to interstitial lung disease. They may order blood work and pulmonary function tests to assess the health and function of your lungs.
LungDocs offer bronchoscopy procedures in-office to obtain a lung tissue sample. This procedure involves the insertion of a flexible tube through your mouth and down into your lungs to remove tissue for further evaluation under a microscope.
Depending on how scarred your lung tissue is, your provider may recommend:
Corticosteroids and other medications suppress your immune system to prevent additional lung scarring.
Oxygen therapy provides supplemental oxygen to your body to make breathing easier. Therapy can also prevent complications that result from low blood oxygen levels.
Pulmonary rehabilitation involves exercises you can do to strengthen your lungs and your overall body. The providers can teach you breathing techniques and recommend dietary changes to improve your lung health.
If these strategies aren’t working well, you may need a lung transplant. The LungDocs providers can discuss your options for this type of surgery.
Call the LungDocs office near you to schedule an evaluation or book a consultation online today.