Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a large group of lung diseases affecting the tissue and space around the alveoli of the lungs, which cause progressive scarring of lung tissue through inflammation and/or fibrosis. This diminishes the lung’s capacity for alveolar gas diffusion. ILD is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although timely diagnosis is important to delay disease progression and prolong survival, there is commonly a delay of 7 months to more than 5 years from the onset of symptoms prior to diagnosis. Primary care clinicians play a crucial role in the initial assessment and referral of patients with suspected ILD. This program will provide the clinician with a quick review of when to suspect ILD, the initial testing and how to optimize referral to Respirology for a timely diagnosis.
This program has received financial support from Boehringer Ingelheim in the form of an unrestricted educational grant.
