Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Management of dyspnea in interstitial lung disease
Christopher J Ryerson1, Harold R Collard, Steven Z Pantilat
1Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA. christopher.ryerson@ucsf.edu
Purpose Of Review:
Dyspnea is the most common symptom in interstitial lung disease, yet little is known about its management. This review summarizes the available evidence for the treatment of dyspnea in interstitial lung disease.
Recent Findings:
The management of dyspnea in interstitial lung disease remains a challenge, with few effective therapies. Limited evidence suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation is an effective treatment of dyspnea. In patients with interstitial lung disease, dyspnea severity is associated with measures of ventilatory restriction, gas exchange, functional status, mental health, and some comorbid diseases. Treatment directed toward these modifiable correlates of dyspnea might be effective in dyspnea management; however, the outcome of this strategy has not been adequately studied.
Summary:
Studies support pulmonary rehabilitation as an effective treatment for dyspnea in interstitial lung disease and pulmonary rehabilitation should be considered in all dyspneic patients. Several investigational agents have been developed and evaluated for potential use in fibrotic interstitial lung disease; however, these agents have not been shown to improve dyspnea.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
