Pavol Joppa, Pavol Pobeha
Interstitial lung diseases are characterized by the presence of inflammation in the alveoli with simultaneous interstitial
fibrosis. Their classification recognizes conditions associated with a known cause and diseases with unknown cause
and an isolated lung involvement – idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP), in particular idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
(IPF). Diagnostic assessment employs imaging by computerized tomography (ground-glass opacities, reticular and
nodular changes, honey-combing), pulmonary function testing (reduced vital capacity and diffusion), bronchoalveolar
lavage fluid analysis, and lung biopsy. Key treatment options in IPF include antifibrotic agents, pirfenidone or nintedanib,
other types of IIP are treated by corticosteroids and immunosupressants. Lung transplantation is an option for patients
fulfilling the criteria.