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Interstitial lung diseases

Interstitial lung disease is the name for a large group of diseases that inflame or scar the lungs. The inflammation and scarring make it hard to get enough oxygen. The scarring is called pulmonary fibrosis.Breathing in dust or other particles in the air is responsible for some types of interstitial lung diseases. Specific types includeBlack lung disease among coal miners, from inhaling coal dustFarmer's lung, from inhaling farm dustAsbestosis, from inhaling asbestos fibersSiderosis, from inhaling iron from mines or welding fumesSilicosis, from inhaling silica dustOther causes include autoimmune diseases or occupational exposures to molds, gases, or fumes. Some types of interstitial lung disease have no known cause.Treatment depends on the type of exposure and the stage of the disease. It may involve medicines, oxygen therapy, or a lung transplant in severe cases.

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