Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) & Pulmonary Fibrosis Care in Lahore
Understand your diagnosis. Assess your lung function. Plan the next step in your care.
Persistent dry cough, increasing breathlessness or a scan showing lung scarring deserves a careful assessment. Consult Dr G Sarwar Chaudhry at Australian Polyclinic for suspected or established interstitial lung disease.
Appointments are confirmed by the clinic. Bring previous scans and breathing-test results.
What is interstitial lung disease?
ILD describes a group of conditions affecting the tissue around the lung’s air sacs. Inflammation, scarring or both can make breathing harder and reduce oxygen transfer. Pulmonary fibrosis means lung scarring; it is not a single diagnosis.
Identifying the type matters because treatment and outlook vary. Some inflammatory conditions can improve, while established fibrosis is usually permanent.
When should you arrange an assessment?
Unexplained symptoms
Ongoing dry cough, breathlessness on walking or climbing stairs, or a gradual reduction in exercise capacity.
An abnormal scan or test
A report mentioning interstitial changes, fibrosis or honeycombing, or unexplained abnormalities on lung function testing.
A known diagnosis
Review of your current treatment, changing symptoms or the need for a clear follow-up plan.
These findings have several possible causes and do not, by themselves, confirm ILD.
Conditions assessed
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, including disease associated with bird or mould exposure.
- Autoimmune-related ILD, including lung involvement in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis.
- Other suspected interstitial conditions, including sarcoidosis and medication- or workplace-related lung disease.
Your history, examination and investigation results are considered together before a treatment plan is recommended.
A structured assessment of your lungs
1. Understand the clinical picture
We review symptoms, previous treatment, family history, medicines and possible exposures at home or work. Mention birds, feather bedding, dampness, mould and occupational dusts, even if exposure was years ago.
2. Review imaging and lung function
High-resolution CT (HRCT) images help identify the pattern of lung disease. Bring the actual images or scan disc as well as the report.
Pulmonary function testing may include spirometry, lung volumes and gas transfer (DLCO), selected according to the clinical question.
3. Select additional investigations
Blood tests may look for autoimmune disease or other causes. Oxygen measurements and a six-minute walk test may help evaluate the effect on daily activity. Not every patient needs every test.
4. Decide the next steps
Some patients need further specialist input or selected procedures such as bronchoscopy or biopsy. These are considered individually and require appropriate facilities.
Consultations and lung function testing are available at Australian Polyclinic. HRCT, invasive procedures and additional specialist assessments may require external referral.
Treatment matched to the diagnosis
The aim is to address treatable causes, preserve lung function where possible and support everyday activity. Treatment may include:
- Exposure reduction: avoiding an identified trigger and stopping smoking.
- Medicines: antifibrotic treatment for suitable fibrotic disease, or anti-inflammatory treatment for selected inflammatory conditions. Drug choice depends on the diagnosis, risks and availability.
- Supportive care: assessment of oxygen needs and advice about pulmonary rehabilitation, activity and symptom management.
Antifibrotic medicines can slow deterioration in suitable patients; they do not remove existing scar tissue. Treatment requires monitoring for benefit and adverse effects.
Ongoing monitoring
Follow-up compares your symptoms, activity, oxygen levels and lung function over time. Repeat imaging is considered when it would help a clinical decision.
The timing of review depends on the diagnosis, severity and treatment. Contact your treating team sooner if breathing worsens.
Prepare for your visit
- Bring CT images and reports, including older scans.
- Bring previous PFTs, blood tests and discharge letters.
- List current medicines, supplements and allergies.
- Note relevant home, hobby and workplace exposures.
- Bring your referral and oxygen prescription, if applicable.
Common questions
Is ILD the same as IPF?
No. ILD is the broader group of conditions. IPF is one specific type, diagnosed after appropriate assessment and exclusion of other causes.
Will I need a lung biopsy?
Not necessarily. Clinical information, HRCT and other tests may be sufficient. Biopsy is considered only when the likely diagnostic benefit justifies its risks.
Can lung scarring be cured?
Established scarring is usually irreversible. Some causes of inflammation are treatable, and appropriate management may slow progression or improve symptoms.
Can I attend with an existing diagnosis?
Yes. Bring your original scans, test results and treatment history so your diagnosis and current management can be reviewed.
When to seek urgent help
Sudden or severe breathlessness, chest pain, blue lips, confusion or a marked fall in oxygen levels requires urgent medical assessment. Go to an emergency department rather than waiting for a routine clinic appointment.
Book an ILD consultation in Lahore
For assessment of suspected ILD, pulmonary fibrosis or an existing diagnosis, contact Australian Polyclinic in DHA Phase 5.
Call 0311 057 3333 · Building 19, CCA, DHA Phase 5, Lahore.
Please confirm consultation fees, test preparation and
availability with the clinic.
Related services and patient guides
Bird-related lung disease
Read about bird exposure, symptoms and assessment for hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Read the bird fancier's lung guide →COPD assessment
Explore assessment and treatment for persistent airflow limitation, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Explore COPD care →Specialist respiratory care
Learn about assessment for persistent cough, breathlessness and other lung conditions.
Explore pulmonology services →NHLBI: Interstitial lung diseases · Diagnosis · Treatment · Mayo Clinic: Diagnosis and treatment
General patient information; investigation and treatment decisions require individual assessment.