Acute Medicine | Respiratory | Investigation and management of interstitial lung disease

Investigation and Management of Interstitial Lung Disease
Session Overview
Description
This session will revise the current classification of Interstitial Lung Disease and review the approach to diagnosis and management of this group of diseases.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Recall the current classification of ILD
• Identify important aspects of the history, examination and baseline investigations in establishing a differential diagnosis
• Define the role of HRCT thorax, lung functions tests and histology in the approach to diagnosis of specific forms of ILD
• List current treatment options for differing types of ILD

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should:

• Have some understanding of the current classification of ILD
• Have some competency in interpreting lung functions tests and HRCT thorax scans

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) represents a complex and diverse group of diseases in which understanding of pathogenesis is limited and treatment difficult.

Although often managed in the outpatient setting, these patients also occasionally present to the acute medical take and can be seriously unwell. Few physicians have substantial experience with the diagnosis and management of patients with ILDs. Achieving an exact diagnosis can be challenging and requires input from radiologists and pathologists.

This session will provide you with the core knowledge to allow you to manage this patient group safely and to make sensible referrals to respiratory specialists.