Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): Symptoms

Because interstitial lung disease disrupts the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs, its symptoms typically manifest as problems with breathing. The two most common symptoms of ILD are shortness of breath with exercise and a non-productive cough.

These symptoms are generally slowly progressive, although rapid worsening can also occur. Some people also may have a fever, weight loss, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and abnormal chest sounds, depending upon the cause.

This information has been approved by Kevin Brown, MD (January 2010).