Interstitial Lung Disease (Wigan based)

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) can be difficult to identify in primary care and unfortunately for some patients, currently carries a poor prognosis; the median survival for those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is only 3–3.5 years (https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Interstitial-lung-disease-service-adult.pdf).

Lisa and Sara talk to respiratory consultant Dr Ashish about this condition. We learn about when to be suspicious about a diagnosis of ILD, who is at risk and the symptoms and signs. We also hear about the reliability of the different investigations that are recommended in primary care and what happens after we have referred someone to outpatient respiratory clinic. We end with talking through how to manage exacerbations in these patients, prognosis and a little bit about fitness to fly.

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Useful resources: 

• IPF Lung Sounds: https://www.insightsinipf.com/clinical-resources/auscultation/gallery/

• GMMMG Shared Care Guidelines: http://gmmmg.nhs.uk/html/gmmmg_app_scgs.php

• Fitness to Fly article from British Thoracic Society Standards of Care Committee: 'Managing passengers with respiratory disease planning air travel': https://thorax.bmj.com/content/57/4/289

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This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

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