Treatment Lung Disease |
Drugs
Many people diagnosed with interstitial lung disease are first treated with a corticosteroid (prednisone), sometimes in combination with other drugs that suppress the immune system - such as methotrexate or cyclosporine. None of these combinations has been very effective in the long run.
Oxygen
Using oxygen can not stop lung damage, but it can:
To breathe and exercise easier
Prevent or lessen the complications of low oxygen levels in the blood
Reduce blood pressure in the right side of your heart
Improve your sleep and sense of well-being
You are more likely to receive oxygen when you sleep or exercise, although some people may use the round-the-clock.
Pulmonary rehabilitation
The goal of pulmonary rehabilitation is not only to improve daily functioning, but also to help people with interstitial lung disease live fully satisfactory. To this end, pulmonary rehabilitation programs focus on:
Physical exercise to improve endurance
Breathing techniques that improve the efficiency of the lungs
Emotional support
Nutritional counseling
Surgery
Lung transplantation may be an option of last resort for younger people suffering from severe interstitial lung disease who have not benefited from other treatment options.
Simple
- Treat the underlying cause, if identified
- Avoid lung irritants
- Use effective coughing techniques
- Use supplemental oxygen when needed
- Use steroids for chronic inflammation
- Use energy conservation techniques
- Use relaxation techniques
- Use bronchodilator therapy if small airways have obstructive defects
- Get a flu vaccine yearly