What is RA-ILD?
04 March 2023RA-ILD stands for rheumatoid arthritis interstitial lung disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition affecting mostly the small joints of the hands, but can also affect other organs of the body such as the lungs. It is an autoimmune condition because it involves an abnormal immune reaction directed towards the body’s own healthy tissues. Most often, rheumatoid arthritis is associated with the production of an autoantibody called anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP). Another blood marker called rheumatoid factor (RF) is also commonly elevated. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system cells to direct the immune reactions – we call them…
What is CTD-ILD?
CTD-ILD or connective tissue disease associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a diagnosis term. Connective tissue diseases are a group of autoimmune conditions which may affect various organs of the body. They are called autoimmune because the body’s immune system…
What is PF-ILD / PPF – progressive lung fibrosis
These acronyms refer to definitions of interstitial lung disease where fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs becomes worse over time. Unfortunately, in the field of ILD there are many such acronyms which can be quite confusing. These two terms refer mostly…
Common side effects of nintedanib
In the field of interstitial lung diseases, nintedanib is considered to be an antifibrotic drug. Its action is to slow down the progression of the fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs, even though it does not reverse it. Initially approved for…
How to conduct the first consultation for ILD?
This is the 8th episode of the Interstitial Lung Disease podcast. Today I discuss about how to conduct the first consultation for interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients. What questions do you ask during the initial consultation? This is my own…
Oxygen therapy in interstitial lung disease
A very important discussion to have with patients who suffer from various forms of interstitial lung diseases is around supplementary oxygen. Main points to consider: 1. We should request an ambulatory oxygen assessment in all patients with a DLCO value…
Sarcoidosis follow-up clinics for stable patients
In this episode I discuss how I normally perform the follow-up clinics for my patients who have sarcoidosis and are generally stable. I cover how I elicit relevant symptoms in order to cover a general organ review, how I ask…
Why is familial interstitial lung disease (ILD) important? How to identify cases?
In this article I will discuss about the importance of family history in the diagnosis and management of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Most people do not know that part of my job in Manchester is to perform a clinic which…
