Lung transplantation is an option for certain people with interstitial lung disease (ILD). It may be recommended for qualifying people whose condition is rapidly declining or severe.
In order to qualify for a lung transplant, you must meet certain criteria. For one, you must have no other significant health problems, such as cancer; heart, liver, or kidney disease; or chronic incurable infections.
Only your healthcare provider can say whether or not you are a possible candidate for a lung transplant. Medical guidelines recommend that the option of lung transplant be brought up at the time ILD is diagnosed if the individual meets all the criteria for transplant. Before pursuing the option of a lung transplant, you should discuss all the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.