Most of us don’t think about our breathing until it becomes difficult. In interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary fibrosis (PF), scarring in the lungs makes it harder for oxygen to move into the bloodstream. 

ILD and PF are related, but they are not the same thing.

• ILD is a broad category of more than 200 lung disorders that affect the tissue (interstitium) surrounding the air sacs in the lungs. These conditions can involve inflammation, scarring, or both.
• PF refers specifically to scarring (fibrosis) of the lung tissue. It is one possible outcome or feature of some forms of ILD.

ILD and PF may cause some or all of the following symptoms: 

• Shortness of breath, especially during or after physical activity 
• A dry, persistent cough 
• Crackling sounds in the lungs (sometimes described as a “Velcro-like” sound) that a healthcare provider can hear with a stethoscope 
• Rounding or widening of the fingertips or toes (called clubbing) 
• Unintended weight loss 
• Fatigue (feeling very tired) 
• Weakness 

Symptoms often develop slowly and may get worse over time. Speak with your doctor or nurse practitioner if you have these signs and symptoms.