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Have Interstitial Lung Disease, Severe Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis. Had Lung Biopsy. Taken Methotrexate. Help
In March I had a lung biopsy and was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease because I had taken methotrexate for twelve years. My lungs are scarred and it's good that I don't smoke. I am learning about my limitations especially with regards to shortness of breath particularly in hot, humid weather - which never bothered me before. How does this lung disease compare with COPD and emphysema since my mother died within six years after getting emphysema (she did smoke). I also have rheumatoid arthritis and the drug Prednisone has caused severe osteoporosis (collapsed ankle fusion surgery within 22 months of surgery). Thank you. Any information you can give me about the interstitial lung disease would be appreciated.
Sat, 17 Aug 2013
Interstitial lung diseases are group of diseases where common pathology lies in interstitium(membrane through which gas exchange occurs in lungs). There are more than 200 causes of it. The all available treatment is towards getting relief from its symptoms. Virtually no drug could alter course of disease. hence better policy will be to accept the disease. You may be benefited by few or all of following measuers- beonchodilators, anit-allergics, oral coriticosteroids, sildenafil, Bosants, Tadalfil(If PAH is diagnosed with ECHO of heart), flu, pneumococcal vaccination, PMBL (oral bacterial lysate as vaccine)(ismigen, pulmigen).
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