CHESTLearning & EventsBridging SpecialtiesTimely Diagnosis for ILDDo You Recognize the Signs of ILDs?

Do You Recognize the Signs of ILDs?

Time is of the essence in diagnosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) like pulmonary fibrosis, but the signs can be difficult to recognize. Delays in diagnosis, ranging from 1 year to more than 5 years, can have devastating effects on patient outcomes.

With ILDs affecting 400,000 people in the US, the likelihood of encountering a patient with an ILD is rare—meaning ILDs are often overlooked as a potential diagnosis.

In partnership with Three Lakes Foundation

Last updated December 05, 2022

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The importance of early diagnosis

Reducing time to diagnosis:

  • Slows disease progression
  • Promotes quality of life
  • Aids supportive and palliative care
  • Expedites referral for lung transplant
  • Quickens enrollment in clinical trials

Why ILDs are difficult to diagnose

ILDs are relatively rare, and patients may be asymptomatic in early stages. Symptoms also can mirror other common conditions. In fact, Hoyer et al* reported 41% of patients in their study had at least one alternate diagnosis before IPF diagnosis—most commonly cardiac disease or obstructive lung disease.

Shortening time to diagnosis

  1. Know risk factors beyond dyspnea and cough, including occupational or environmental exposures, autoimmune disease, sleep disorders, weight loss, IPF comorbidities, and familial/genetic association.
  2. Leverage the right tests to probe for risk factors; understand implications of the findings.
  3. Know when to extend the care team, bridging specialties through referrals or ILD centers to provide additional options for treatment.
  4. Maximize patient quality of life through oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, mental health assessment, medication, and nutrition counseling.

Ready to learn more?

There is no cure for ILDs, but early diagnosis and treatment can slow progression and lessen the severity of symptoms, allowing patients to live longer with a higher quality of life. Your expertise is essential.

If you’re ready to advance ILD patient care, access additional resources and information from our Bridging Specialties®: Timely Diagnosis for ILD initiative.

ACCESS THE ILD CLINICIAN TOOLKIT »

READ THE CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES WHITE PAPER »

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INITIATIVE »

Bridging Specialties®: Timely Diagnosis for ILD is a collaborative initiative between the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) and Three Lakes Foundation that brings together pulmonologists and primary care physicians to define a clearer clinician-guided approach to diagnosis for ILDs like PF and IPF. The findings above were drawn from a clinician survey that was conducted as a part of this initiative. Read the Clinical Perspectives white paper to access the full survey results.

*Hoyer N, Prior TS, Bendstrup E, et al. Risk factors for diagnostic delay in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res. 2019;20(1):103.