A collaborative effort at its finest!

Second Annual ILD Day to Drive Awareness of  Interstitial Lung Disease on Sept. 14  

We are proud to work alongside eight partner organizations to present the second annual ILD Day on Wednesday, Sept. 14, to drive awareness of interstitial lung disease (ILD). There are over 200 causes of ILD, which is characterized by inflammation and/or scarring in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and get oxygen to the bloodstream. Those living with pulmonary fibrosis are at an increased risk for ILD.

More than 50,000 new cases of ILD are diagnosed annually in the U.S., and more than 250,000 Americans are living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and ILD. PF can be seen in many types of ILD and the damage caused by ILD can be irreversible and worsen over time.  

Unfortunately, ILD does not yet have a cure. By raising awareness during ILD Day, we hope to help affected patients reach diagnosis and treatment more quickly.  

Symptoms and Risk Factors of ILD 

Causes of ILD include the use of certain medications, radiation to the chest, and environmental and occupational exposures. In addition, patients with other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and myositis, including dermatomyositis and polymyositis (DM and PM), sarcoidosis, and Sjögren’s, may develop ILD. A specific form of ILD, namely idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), occurs in older individuals.

Those at risk should speak with their doctor about the possibility of developing ILD and understand the signs and symptoms. The most common symptoms of ILD include shortness of breath, dry cough, and fatigue.  

We Need Your Help to Raise Awareness 

You can help! Whether you share a message of support on social media using #ILDDay or strike up conversations with your friends and family, any awareness you can generate will go a long way in driving earlier diagnoses of ILD.

Webinar for More Information

Want to learn more? Register for the upcoming educational webinar with ILD expert, Dr. Anna Podolanczuk, on Sept. 14. During the webinar, Dr. Podolanczuk will discuss progressive pulmonary fibrosis and what patients need to know about their diagnosis. For more information or to register for the online event, visit www.ILDDay.org.