The next step is to start a conversation with your healthcare provider about your potential risk for ILD. Make the most of that conversation by creating a personalized doctor discussion guide.
Are you at risk for ILD?
If you’re experiencing signs or symptoms that could be related to interstitial lung disease (ILD), or you’ve been diagnosed with a condition that can be associated with ILD, this page can help you learn more about your potential risk. Please note, this page is not a diagnostic tool; and this page is for informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider for more information.
Could it be ILD?
Only your doctor can diagnose ILD, so be sure to talk to them about these signs and symptoms. In some instances, nonspecific symptoms, such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and/or fatigue, can be signs of ILD, a potentially serious lung disease that may cause scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. Over time, this scarring causes the lungs to become thick and stiff, making it difficult to breathe.
ILD has symptoms that are similar to those of more common conditions—like COPD, asthma, and congestive heart failure—sometimes making it tough to recognize. Get the facts about ILD and learn how to take an active role in your health.

I was convinced it was still just a cold that had settled in my chest. My PCP agreed, and I was treated with over-the-counter meds for a cough and sent on my way. Months passed. I found I’d actually gotten used to the coughing.
How much do you know about ILD?
Keep in mind, many types of ILD are considered rare. Your doctor will be able to help determine if what you're experiencing could be a sign of ILD.
Fact vs. Fiction
Show what you know about ILD.
Taking an Active Role in Your Health
Step 1: Learn About ILD
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a group of over 200 chronic lung disorders characterized by inflammation and/or scarring of the lungs. When it involves scarring of the lungs, it is also known as pulmonary fibrosis. The severity—and even type of ILD—varies from person to person.
If you are wondering if you could have ILD, learn more about what it is, its connection to pulmonary fibrosis, how it may progress, and more.
Step 2: Don’t Dismiss the Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of ILD may progress over time and may be an indication that the disease is getting worse. It’s important to talk with your healthcare team about your symptoms and tell them about any changes you notice.
Signs and symptoms of ILD may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent, dry cough
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Clubbing or widening of the fingertips
One of the most common symptoms of ILD is shortness of breath. Shortness of breath may be mild at first and only occur during physical activity. If ILD progresses, breathing problems will gradually worsen over time.
Listen to your lungs. It’s important to tune in to your body and take note of any signs or symptoms you may experience. Knowing the warning signs can help you identify ILD and start the conversation with your doctor.
Use the Personal Symptom Tracker to keep track and record any signs or symptoms you may experience and share what you learn with your doctor.
Step 3: Start the Conversation with Your Doctor
An important step in identifying ILD is starting a conversation with your doctor. Ask your doctor if you are at risk for ILD and always mention any symptoms you may experience. One of the ways your doctor may begin to identify a problem is by listening for crackling sounds in your lower lungs.
The Personalized Doctor Discussion Guide can help you take a more active role in the diagnosis process by preparing for a conversation with your doctor.
Step 4: Continue Looking for the Right Diagnosis
ILD is relatively rare, and quite often difficult to diagnose, requiring a range of tests. The nonspecific symptoms also make it easy for ILD to be misdiagnosed as other conditions, like COPD, asthma, and congestive heart failure.
If you have been diagnosed with one of these conditions and continue to experience symptoms—or if you have been prescribed medications for a respiratory disease or a cough and are not getting relief from these medications—ask your healthcare provider about ILD.
A pulmonologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in lung disorders—pulmonologists may have more experience diagnosing and managing ILD than other types of specialists. Use our locator tool to find pulmonologists near you.
Are you at risk for ILD?
Certain factors and systemic illnesses are known to cause ILD. If you’ve been exposed to or diagnosed with these, you may be at risk for developing ILD.
For instance, ILD can be caused by certain systemic disorders, like mixed connective tissue disease, myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, and others. It can also be caused by certain medications and exposure to environmental and/or occupational factors, like asbestos or silica dust. Sometimes, the cause is unknown. No matter the cause, ILD may lead to lung scarring called pulmonary fibrosis, which may make breathing difficult. That’s why it’s important to talk with your doctor about your risk. Only your doctor can talk to you about your potential risk.
Continue scrolling for resources that can help you gain more clarity about what ILD is, understand the importance of early diagnosis, and learn how to start a productive conversation with your doctor.

Rather than focus on the things that I have lost to this disease, I want to focus on living life each day.
How much do you know about ILD?
Keep in mind, many types of ILD are considered rare. Your doctor will be able to help determine if what you're experiencing could be a sign of ILD.
Fact vs. Fiction
Show what you know about ILD.
Taking an Active Role in Your Health
Step 1: Learn About ILD
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a group of over 200 chronic lung disorders characterized by inflammation and/or scarring of the lungs. When it involves scarring of the lungs, it is also known as pulmonary fibrosis. The severity—and even type of ILD—varies from person to person.
Step 2: Understand the Signs and Symptoms
It’s easy to overlook the signs and symptoms of ILD because they can be similar to those of more common diseases.
Signs and symptoms of ILD may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent, dry cough
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Clubbing or widening of the fingertips
One of the most common symptoms of ILD is shortness of breath. Shortness of breath may be mild at first and only occur during physical activity. If ILD progresses, breathing problems will gradually worsen over time.
Listen to your lungs. It’s important to tune in to your body and take note of any signs or symptoms you may experience. Knowing the warning signs can help you identify ILD and start the conversation with your doctor.
Use the Personal Symptom Tracker to keep track and record any signs or symptoms you may experience and share what you learn with your doctor.
Step 3: Start the Conversation with Your Doctor
An important step in understanding your risk for ILD is starting a conversation with your doctor. Visit your doctor for regular checkups, so they can monitor your lungs. Ask about the impact your current condition could have on your lungs and always mention any symptoms you may experience.