Occupational interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a diverse group of lung parenchymal diseases. They cover a spectrum of inflammatory to fibrotic pathologies. Many ILDs are labelled idiopathic, meaning there is no recognized cause, but many can be triggered by environmental and occupational exposures. Occupational ILD can present as many different ILD subtypes, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, granulomatous disease (e.g. chronic beryllium disease), pneumoconiosis (silicosis) and usual interstitial pneumonia (typically asbestosis). Traditionally, there have been few available treatments; however, increasing emphasis is now placed on identifying causative agents, with a subsequent reduction or removal of exposure. Furthermore, the recognition of a progressive fibrosing ILD phenotype has enabled the use of antifibrotic therapy.