Symptoms of interstitial lung disease (ILD) may not appear until the lungs have already been significantly damaged. These symptoms usually become more severe as interstitial lung disease progresses.
Most Common Symptom
The most common symptom of interstitial lung disease is shortness of breath. Since ILD gets worse over time, you may not notice any symptoms at first. You might notice mild shortness of breath while exercising, climbing stairs, or performing other more challenging physical activities.
As the disease progresses, you may notice shortness of breath while doing less challenging activities, such as getting dressed, eating, bathing or talking.
Other Symptoms
Other possible symptoms of interstitial lung disease include:
- Dry cough — cough that does not produce any mucus or sputum
- Weight loss
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fatigue
Advanced ILD can cause other symptoms, such as:
- Clubbing of the fingers
- A blue color in the lips, fingernails or skin — due to low levels of oxygen in the blood
- Swelling in the feet and legs
Ready for an Appointment?
If you need to be evaluated for interstitial lung disease, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnose and treat interstitial lung disease.
