Presentation of interstitial lung disease in adults

Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) usually present with nonspecific symptoms such as dyspnoea and dry cough, often resulting in delayed diagnosis.

There may be crackles on chest auscultation; however, crackles can also occur with pulmonary oedema, bronchiectasis or pneumonia. Clubbing of the fingers or toes may also be present.

Advanced disease presents with tachypnoea, tachycardia and low oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry (SpO₂).

If ILD is suspected, see Assessment of interstitial lung disease in adults.