Interstitial lung disease describes a large group of disorders, most of which cause progressive scarring of lung tissue. The scarring associated with interstitial lung disease eventually affects your ability to breathe and get enough oxygen into your bloodstream.
Interstitial lung disease can be caused by long-term exposure to hazardous materials.
Once lung scarring occurs, it’s generally irreversible. Medications can slow the damage of interstitial lung disease, but many people never regain full use of their lungs.
Occupational and environmental factors
Long-term exposure to a number of toxins and pollutants can damage your lungs. These may include:
- Grain dust
- Bird and animal droppings
Factors that may make you more susceptible to interstitial lung disease include:
- Age. Interstitial lung disease is much more likely to affect adults, although infants and children sometimes develop the disorder.
- Exposure to occupational and environmental toxins. If you work in ….farming … or for any reason are exposed to pollutants known to damage your lungs, your risk of interstitial lung disease greatly increases.
More at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/interstitial-lung-disease/DS00592/DSECTION=risk%2Dfactors