Interstitial lung disease covers many conditions in which lung tissue becomes inflamed or scarred. Symptoms develop slowly, usually with a dry cough and breathlessness on exertion, and they are often put down to age or poor fitness for months before the cause is found.

Patients looking for lung disease treatment in Mumbai are assessed at Apex with a detailed history, covering work, medicines and exposure to dust or birds, followed by a high-resolution CT scan and blood tests. Where the diagnosis is still unclear, a lung sample may be taken by bronchoscopy.

The type of scarring decides treatment. Some forms respond to anti-inflammatory medicines, others are managed with medicines that slow scarring, oxygen therapy and rehabilitation. The team explains what is expected for each type and how progress will be tracked.

Interstitial lung disease services at Apex include:

• Detailed Evaluation: history, high-resolution CT and blood tests to identify the type of lung scarring.
• Bronchoscopy for Diagnosis: airway washings and lung samples to help separate infection, inflammation and other causes.
• Long-Term Management: medicines, oxygen therapy, vaccination advice and rehabilitation planned around the patient's daily life.