Resting and exercise physiology in interstitial lung diseases.
Review
Overview
abstract
Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a heterogeneous group of parenchymal pulmonary disorders with varying histologic appearances. Pulmonary function tests have gained a prominent role in the diagnosis and management of patients with these disorders. Although their role in the differential diagnosis of the various ILDs is limited, physiologic measurements are pivotal studies providing clues regarding disease severity, prognosis,and response to therapy.