Interstitial lung diseases: clinical features and management
Ellis, R.
Nursing Times 101(25): 58-61
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0954-7762 PMID: 15997954 Document Number: 586111
Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) or diffuse parenchymal lung diseases are terms used to describe around 200 acute and chronic lung disorders (Raghu and Brown, 2004). They are a heterogeneous group of disorders of the lower respiratory tract that are characterised by both acute and chronic inflammation and a generally irreversible and relentless process of fibrosis in the interstitium and the alveolar walls (air sacs in the lungs) (Riches et al, 2003).