Diagnostic Approach in Interstitial Lung Disease

The chapter focuses on the diagnostic approach in interstitial lung disease (ILD), emphasizing the importance of physical exam findings, imaging protocols, and detailed evaluation of CT scans to identify characteristic patterns like honeycombing and traction bronchiectasis. It discusses the significance of categorizing ILDs based on CT scan findings, considering exposure triggers, and analyzing pulmonary function tests to predict oxygen requirements and monitor disease progression. The chapter also highlights the importance of prompt results for high-suspicion cases and utilizing the six-minute walk test to assess patients' oxygen needs and quality of life.