Interstitial Lung Disease

Diagnosis

An evaluation for interstitial lung disease starts with a physical examination and thorough medical history, including questions about potentially harmful exposures, such as to dusts, gases, chemicals, pets, air conditioners and humidifiers.

Some helpful tests that may be ordered include:

• Chest X-rays
• Pulmonary function tests
• Arterial blood gas tests that measure the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood
• Blood tests
• CT scans
• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
• Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and/or biopsies
• Minimally invasive biopsy techniques, such as video-assisted thorascopic lung biopsy

Tests are scheduled quickly, and results for most tests are available on the same day or within 24 hours. Efficient testing helps your care team quickly arrive at a diagnosis so your treatment can begin as soon as possible.

Read more about diagnosis of interstitial lung disease on MayoClinic.com.