Diseases that affect the interstitium, or lung tissue, are chronic and slowly progressive disorders. Most people suffering from interstitial lung disease are not even aware they have it for several years. They gradually become short of breath as it becomes difficult for the lungs to transport oxygen into the cells, and carbon dioxide out of the lungs. With over 200 different conditions affecting the interstitium, those with associated scarring for unknown reasons are categorized as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis begins with mild symptoms such as an irritating dry cough and shortness of breath after mild exertion. As the disease progresses and scarring of the lungs develops, the individual becomes increasingly short of breath and fatigued. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is called idiopathic because the disease cannot be explained, as it seems there is no known cause other than an inflammatory response of some kind. The disease seems to affect individuals over the age of 50, adds the UMMC.
Asbestosis
Inhaling asbestos fibers will cause scarring or fibrosis of the lung tissue. Doctors call this condition asbestosis. People at risk include those directly exposed to asbestos, such as shipyard, construction and demolition workers, asbestos miners, and people directly and indirectly exposed to asbestos, such as electricians and plumbers. According to the UMMC, the major symptom of asbestosis is breathlessness, as the damage prevents the lungs from transporting oxygen to the cells and from releasing carbon dioxide; it essentially impairs the process of respiration.
Exposure to Organic Substances
Frequent exposure to organic substances such as grains and flour, dusts from unprocessed cotton, called byssinosis, and sugar cane, called bagassosis, have a long history of causing respiratory disorders, particularly fibrotic lung tissue. Baker's asthma can cause permanent scarring of the lung tissue. These reactions may be caused by bacterial contamination of the inhaled products, or simply the dust from the production process breaks down the delicate walls of the air sacs, or alveoli, in the lungs.
Occupational Asthma
Substances that can cause occupational asthma include toluene, found in paints and polyurethane foam, grain dust, wood dust from the Western red cedar, and industrial chemicals such as trimetallic anhydrides and platinum salts. Dusts and dander from various farm animals and plants can also cause irreversible fibrosis, or scarring.
