‘MANY CASES OF INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE ARE INCORRECTLY DIAGNOSED’

LUCKNOW: More than half of the cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD), a progressive lung disease that reduces life expectancy and causes permanent breathing problems, are incorrectly diagnosed. Even after availability of ILD treatment, such complexities lead to major problems.“ILD is not one but a combination of about 140 diseases and therefore it is important to classify each case in to its sub-division, which is not done in majority of cases,” said Prof Rajendra Prasad, director of medical education department, Era’s Medical College, while sharing the details of a national level continued medical education (CME) programme on ILD which is scheduled on Saturday. Addressing the media on Thursday, Prof said, “The disease is usually confused with some other disease during the diagnosis, resulting to incorrect treatment.” He added, “I saw my first ILD patient in 1990 but still not much has been done as far as correct diagnosis is concerned.” Interstitial lung disease describes a large group of disorders, most of which cause progressive scarring of lung tissue. Prof Prasad said the CME would have experts from different parts of the country who are working for correct diagnosis of ILD. The event is organised by Chest Care and Research Society in association with department of pulmonary medicine, Era’s Medical College and UP Tuberculosis Association. “Our aim is to make doctors aware about ILD so that patients get early and correct treatment,” said Prof Prasad.