There are several lung diseases classified as interstitial lung disease, the Mayo Clinic states. While there may be strong differences between them, the common result is lung tissue scarring that is irreversible. These types of disease can occur gradually or abruptly, and for some, the cause remains unknown. The scarring associated with interstitial lung disease can make it very difficult for you to breathe.
Dyspnea
Dyspnea is a condition in which you may feel like you cannot catch your breath. This symptom of interstitial lung disease can be a sign that you have the disease if it is unexplained by any other condition such as asthma. Dyspnea generally will affect you most while you are engaged in physical activity, although it can manifest following such activities.
Cough
A symptom that may not initially be seen is a cough that is dry, meaning it does not produce phlegm. The Mayo Clinic reports that this symptom may go unnoticed until interstitial lung disease has progressed and you already have lung damage that is irreversible. It may be incorrectly associated with getting older or being overweight, asthma or an infection of the upper respiratory system.
Wheezing
Another aspect of interstitial lung disease symptoms may be a whistling, high-pitched noise that occurs when you breathe. Typically, this happens when you exhale. It also can be misconstrued as being related to another problem such as asthma or as an effect of a severe cold or the flu. Because symptoms of interstitial lung disease generally worsen progressively, the wheezing will become louder and not go away, as it would with the flu.
Other Symptoms
Pain in the chest may be associated with heart problems by most people, but it also can be a sign you have interstitial lung disease. The pain in this case will come from the lungs. Another symptom that will not appear to be associated with a disease of the lungs is called clubbing, in which your fingernails curve and come down over the tips of your fingers.
