Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary fibrosis are among the most serious and complex conditions managed by our Chest Specialists at Southwest Pulmonary & Sleep Centre (SWCPC) in Oran Park. These conditions cause progressive scarring of the lung tissue and require early specialist diagnosis to slow their progression. If you or someone you care for has been told they may have ILD or pulmonary fibrosis, early review by a Chest Physician is critical.
What Is Interstitial Lung Disease?
Interstitial lung disease is an umbrella term for over 200 conditions that cause inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) of the interstitium — the tissue and space around the air sacs of the lungs. As scarring progresses, the lungs become stiffer and less able to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream, leading to breathlessness and reduced exercise tolerance.
Common types of ILD include:
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) — the most common form, cause unknown, typically affecting adults over 60
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis — caused by repeated exposure to inhaled dusts, moulds, or bird proteins
- Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP) — often associated with connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma
- Sarcoidosis — a systemic inflammatory condition that frequently affects the lungs
- Cryptogenic Organising Pneumonia (COP) — lung inflammation resembling pneumonia that doesn’t respond to antibiotics
- Drug-induced ILD — caused by certain medications including amiodarone, methotrexate, and nitrofurantoin
Symptoms of ILD and Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Progressive breathlessness — worse on exertion, then at rest
- Dry, persistent cough that doesn’t resolve
- Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance
- Crackling sounds in the lungs (detected on examination)
- Clubbing of the fingertips (in some cases)
- Weight loss in advanced disease
These symptoms are often gradual and can be mistaken for normal ageing or deconditioning. If you notice progressive breathlessness — particularly if you’re a non-smoker — see a Chest Specialist promptly.
How Is ILD Diagnosed?
Diagnosing ILD requires a combination of clinical assessment, imaging, and lung function testing — all of which our Chest Physicians at SWCPC Oran Park can coordinate:
- High-Resolution CT (HRCT) scan of the chest — the most important investigation; shows the pattern and distribution of lung scarring
- Full Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) — on-site at SWCPC; shows restrictive pattern and reduced gas transfer (DLCO) characteristic of ILD
- Blood tests — to identify connective tissue diseases, inflammatory markers, and specific ILD antibodies
- Bronchoscopy with lavage or biopsy — arranged when needed for tissue diagnosis
- Multidisciplinary team (MDT) review — our Chest Specialists work within MDT frameworks with radiology and pathology
Treatment for IPF and ILD at SWCPC
While most forms of ILD cannot be cured, treatment significantly slows progression and improves quality of life:
- Antifibrotic therapy (Nintedanib, Pirfenidone) — for IPF; slows the rate of lung function decline
- Immunosuppression — for inflammatory ILDs such as NSIP or COP (prednisolone, azathioprine, mycophenolate)
- Pulmonary rehabilitation — improves exercise capacity and quality of life
- Oxygen therapy — for patients with resting hypoxaemia
- Lung transplant referral — for eligible patients with advanced IPF
- Removal of causative agents — for hypersensitivity pneumonitis (avoidance of birds, moulds, or occupational exposures)
See a Chest Specialist for ILD in Oran Park
Our Chest Specialists and Respiratory Specialists at SWCPC Oran Park have experience in the diagnosis and management of ILD and pulmonary fibrosis. Dr Haider Naqvi has a particular interest in ILD, and Dr Shervin Amirmalek specialises in interventional pulmonology including bronchoscopic procedures relevant to ILD workup.
We serve patients from Oran Park, Camden, Narellan, Campbelltown, Gregory Hills, Harrington Park, Mount Annan, Liverpool, and Leppington. A GP referral is required.
Address: Level 2, Suite 2.12, TRN House, 90 Podium Way, Oran Park NSW 2570
Phone: (02) 4607 5010
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
