Interstitial Lung Disease in Children: Treatment

How do doctors treat interstitial lung disease (ILD)?

While the inflammation and swelling from ILD cannot be undone, treatment can help slow down how quickly it affects the lungs. The care team will talk with you about which treatments are right for your child.

Common ILD treatments include:

• Oxygen therapy. This is when your child receives extra oxygen while he sleeps or exercises. In some cases, people with ILD need oxygen therapy at all times.
• Medications, such as steroids and hydroxychloroquine
• Pulmonary rehabilitation. This is when your child uses certain exercise and breathing methods to help his lungs work better.

Rev. 4/2018. Reviewed by the MGfC Family Advisory Council.