Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) includes a diverse group of respiratory conditions characterised by inflammation and fibrosis of the interstitium. Worsening hypoxia and respiratory failure may develop with disease progression. Disease behaviour and treatment responsiveness vary widely depending on the underlying aetiology. One of the most common types of ILD is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which is associated with poor prognosis.
Objective: This article discusses recent advances in the field of ILD, including updated classification, diagnostic approach and break-through therapies.
Discussion: Establishing an accurate diagnosis in patients with ILD, ideally within a multidisciplinary team discussion, is critical for ensuring optimal outcomes. Recently, novel antifibrotic therapies have been shown to be effective in slowing disease progression in IPF, offering new hope for patients with the disease.