🕷️ Crawler Inspector

[Skip to main content](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases#main-content)  An official website of the United States government Here’s how you know Here’s how you know  **Official websites use .gov** A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.  **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS** A **lock** ( A locked padlock) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. [](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/) - Health Topics - [All Health Topics A-Z](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health) - [Asthma](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma) - [Heart-Healthy Living](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-healthy-living) - [High Blood Pressure](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure) - [Sickle Cell Disease](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sickle-cell-disease) - [Sleep Apnea](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea) - [Calculate Your BMI](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/calculate-your-bmi) - Health Education - [Education Programs and Initiatives](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education) - [The Heart Truth®](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-truth) - [Learn More Breathe Better®](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/BreatheBetter) - [Blood Diseases & Disorders Education Program](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/blood) - [Publications and Resources](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources?f%5B0%5D=language%3AEnglish) - Research - [Clinical Trials and Studies](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/research/clinical-trials) - [Research Focus Areas](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science) - [Blood Disorders and Blood Safety](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/blood-disorders-and-blood-safety) - [Sleep Science and Sleep Disorders](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/sleep-science-and-sleep-disorders) - [Lung Diseases](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/lung-diseases) - [Health Disparities](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/health-disparities) - [Heart and Vascular Diseases](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/heart-and-vascular-diseases) - [Precision Medicine Activities](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/precision-medicine-activities) - [Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/obesity-nutrition-and-physical-activity) - [Population and Epidemiology Studies](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/population-and-epidemiology-studies) - [Women’s Health](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/womens-health) - [Research Topics](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/research/research-topics) - [All Science A-Z](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/all-science) - Grants and Training - [Grants and Training Home](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/grants-and-training) - [Policies and Guidelines](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/grants-and-training/policies-procedures-and-guidelines) - [Funding Opportunities and Contacts](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/grants-and-training/funding-opportunities-and-contacts) - [Training and Career Development](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/grants-and-training/training-and-career-development) - News and Events - [News and Events Home](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news-and-events) - [Email Alerts](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news-and-events/email-alerts) - [All News](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news) - [NHLBI News](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news?f%5B0%5D=type%3Anews_mention) - [NHLBI in the Press](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news?f%5B0%5D=type%3Apress_release) - [Featured Article](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news?f%5B0%5D=type%3Afeature_article) - [Ask a Scientist](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ask-a-scientist) - [All Events](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/events) - [Past Events](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/events?f%5B0%5D=event_status%3Aclosed) - [Upcoming Events](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/events?f%5B0%5D=event_status%3Aupcoming) - About NHLBI - [About NHLBI Home](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about) - [Mission and Strategic Vision](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/strategic-vision) - [Leadership](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/leadership) - [Divisions, Offices and Centers](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/divisions) - [Advisory Committees](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/advisory-and-peer-review-committees) - [Budget and Legislative Information](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/budget-and-legislative-information) - [Jobs and Working at the NHLBI](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/working-at-nhlbi) - [Contact and FAQs](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/contact) - [NIH Sleep Research Plan](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/sleep-research-plan) - [HOME](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/) Interstitial Lung Diseases - [Home](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/) - [\< Back To Interstitial Lung Diseases](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/node/93019) - Childhood Interstitial Lung Disease 0 [Interstitial Lung Diseases](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases) [MENU]() - [Home](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/) - [\< Back To Interstitial Lung Diseases](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/node/93019) - Childhood Interstitial Lung Disease - [What Are Interstitial Lung Diseases?](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/interstitial-lung-diseases) - [Symptoms](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/interstitial-lung-diseases/symptoms) - [Diagnosis](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/interstitial-lung-diseases/diagnosis) - [Causes and Risk Factors](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/interstitial-lung-diseases/causes) - [Treatment](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/interstitial-lung-diseases/treatment) - [Living With](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/interstitial-lung-diseases/living-with) - [Types](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases) - [Childhood Interstitial Lung Disease](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases) - [Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/hypersensitivity-pneumonitis) MORE INFORMATION [Participate in a Study](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/research/clinical-trials?f%5B0%5D=disease_or_condition_name%3AInterstitial%20Lung%20Diseases) [Fact Sheet and Handouts](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources?f%5B0%5D=related_health_topics%3AInterstitial%20Lung%20Diseases) [Research](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/research/interstitial-lung-diseases) Interstitial Lung Diseases # Interstitial Lung Diseases Childhood Interstitial Lung Disease [](https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nhlbi.nih.gov%2Fhealth%2Fchildhood-interstitial-lung-diseases&title=Childhood%20Interstitial%20Lung%20Disease "Share") [Email](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/#email "Email") [Print](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/#print "Print") ## Language switcher - [English](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases) - [Español](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/es/salud/enfermedades-pulmonares-intersticiales/enfermedad-pulmonar-intersticial-infantil) **IN THIS ARTICLE** - [What is childhood interstitial lung disease?](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases#What-is-childhood-interstitial-lung-disease?) - [Symptoms and diagnosis](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases#Symptoms-and-diagnosis) - [Causes and risk factors](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases#Causes-and-risk-factors) - [Treatment](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases#Treatment) - [Managing chILD](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases#Managing-chILD) [View More]() [View Less]() ## What is childhood interstitial lung disease?  Childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD) describes a group of rare lung diseases that can affect babies, children, and teens. It is also called diffuse lung disease. These diseases have some similar symptoms, such as shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and coughing. They may also damage the lungs in similar ways, making it harder for oxygen to pass through the lungs and into the body. Some children are born with an [interstitial lung disease (ILD)](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/interstitial-lung-diseases) while others develop an ILD later during childhood. ChILD can be mild, serious, or life-threatening. Some types of chILD may get worse over time. Other types may improve or stay the same. There is currently no cure for chILD, but early diagnosis and treatment can help improve symptoms. Your child’s healthcare providers can help you learn how to manage the condition to improve your child’s quality of life. Types of chILD that are more common in children younger than 2 include: - **Developmental disorders, such as alveolar capillary dysplasia:** These are problems with how your child’s lungs develop before birth. They are often serious, and you may notice symptoms within days after your baby is born. - **Genetic [surfactant](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases "Definition of surfactant ") disorders:** Surfactant is a substance that coats the inside of your lungs and helps them work better. Mutations, or changes, in the [gene](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases "Definition of gene ") that control how your child’s body makes surfactant can lead to lung damage. - **Neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy (NEHI):** This is a rare lung disease that causes rapid, noisy breathing and low oxygen levels. NEHI has no known cause. It is also called persistent tachypnea of infancy. - **Pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis:** This is a rare lung disease in which a sugar called glycogen builds up in some cells in the lungs. It usually occurs in children younger than 1. Types of chILD that happen in children of any age may be caused by: - **Another medical condition:** Infections, other lung diseases, and problems with your [immune system](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases "Definition of immune system ") can cause chILD. - **Dust or mold in the environment:** These materials may cause [hypersensitivity pneumonitis](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/hypersensitivity-pneumonitis) and [bronchiolitis obliterans](https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/9551/bronchiolitis-obliterans).  ***Normal lungs and lung structures.** Figure A shows the location of the lungs and airways in the body. Figure B is a detailed view of the parts of the lung that childhood interstitial lung disease may affect, such as the bronchioles, neuroendocrine cells, alveoli, capillary network, surfactant, and interstitial space.* ## Symptoms and diagnosis Symptoms of chILD may include: - **Shortness of breath, or trouble breathing:** Your child may have rapid breathing, flaring nostrils, a grunting sound when breathing out, or a high-pitched sound when breathing (wheezing). Breathing problems are more commonly seen in babies while eating and in children during physical activity. - **Pulling inward of the muscles between the ribs when breathing** (chest retractions) - **A chronic (long-term) cough** - **Problems with growth and development** - **Bluish skin** - **Clubbing,** a widening and rounding at the ends of the fingers or toes, along with a downward sloping of the nails Your child’s healthcare provider will diagnose chILD based on your child’s family and medical histories, physical exam, and results from lung tests, blood tests, and genetic testing. ## Causes and risk factors Genetics, infections, or repeated exposure to things in the environment that damage the lungs or make it easier for your child’s lungs to get damaged may cause chILD. This lung damage can lead to [inflammation](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases "Definition of inflammation ") and scarring in your child’s lungs. Problems with how the lungs develop before birth can also cause chILD. Many times, your child’s doctor may not know what caused this condition. Childhood ILD is rare, so most children are not at risk. However, your child’s environment, family history, medicines, and other medical conditions can raise the risk of chILD: - **Environment:** Repeated or long-term exposure to substances in the environment can raise the risk of chILD. Such substances include bacteria, fungi, chemicals, tobacco smoke, and air pollution. - **Family history:** Mutations, or changes, in the genes that control lung development can cause chILD. Other changes in your genes can affect how your body makes surfactant. Your child may have a higher risk of some types of chILD if other people in your family have had ILDs or medical conditions that can cause chILD. - **Lifestyle habits:** Illegal drugs, such as cocaine, can hurt the lungs and cause chILD. This is more common in teens. - **Medicines:** These include radiation, chemotherapy, medicines that weaken your immune system, antibiotics, heart medicines, and medicines to treat inflammation. - **Other medical conditions:** Certain health problems that affect the lungs can raise the risk of chILD. These conditions include the following: - Aspiration, which is when substances such as food, liquid, or vomit get into your lungs - [Autoimmune diseases](https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autoimmune/index.cfm), such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, inflammatory bowel disease, eosinophilic lung diseases, and [vasculitis](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/vasculitis) - Infections from bacteria or viruses - Lung cancer - Problems with your child’s [metabolic](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases "Definition of metabolic ") system - Complications after a [lung transplant](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/lung-treatments) ## Treatment There is currently no cure for chILD. Your child’s doctor may prescribe [medicine](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/interstitial-lung-diseases/treatment) to help slow down or stop lung damage and help your child breathe easier. Treatment for chILD depends on the type and the cause. If medicine does not work or your child’s symptoms get worse, they may need [oxygen therapy](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/lung-treatments) or [ventilator support](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ventilator). Your child will need ongoing care from a healthcare team. This team may include doctors, nurses, dietitians, social workers, physical therapists, and home health aides. Your child may need medicines, [pulmonary rehabilitation](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/pulmonary-rehabilitation), oxygen therapy, or procedures. ## Managing chILD The following steps can help manage your child’s condition: - **Receive routine follow-up care.** It is important to follow your child’s treatment plan. For some types of chILD, the condition may get worse over time. For other types of chILD, the condition may improve. - **Make sure that your child receives recommended vaccines,** including the flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines if eligible. This can help prevent infections that make your child’s symptoms worse. - **Know the warning signs** of worsening lung disease and when to seek emergency medical care. **Call 9-1-1** if your child has trouble breathing or a bluish color on the skin, lips, and fingernails; or if your child becomes confused, very sleepy, or unconscious. - **Ask your child’s doctor** about whether your child needs nutritional supplements. - **Help your child avoid secondhand smoke,** which is smoke in the air from other people smoking. Also, keep your child indoors when the air quality is poor. - **Talk to other people in your child’s life** to discuss the special needs related to chILD. For example, you may need to work with your child’s teachers to decide how to meet school-related needs. - **Take care of your mental health.** Living with or caring for a child who has an ILD may cause fear, anxiety, depression, and stress. Get support to help you, your child, and your other family members cope with the effects of chILD on daily life. ### Book traversal links for 92344 - #### Previous [Types](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/node/93029 "Go to previous page") - #### Next [Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/hypersensitivity-pneumonitis "Go to next page") Last updated on March 24, 2022 Back To Top Link [Back to top](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases#main-content) Web Policies & Notices - [Accessibility](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/contact/website-privacy-and-accessibility) - [No FEAR Act Data](https://eeo.nih.gov/no-fear-act) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/contact/website-privacy-and-accessibility/privacy-statement) - [Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/contact/website-privacy-and-accessibility) - [HHS Vulnerability Disclosure](https://www.hhs.gov/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/index.html) [(link is external)](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases) Related Government Websites - [Health and Human Services](https://www.hhs.gov/) [(link is external)](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases) - [National Institutes of Health](https://www.nih.gov/) - [Office of the Inspector General](https://oig.hhs.gov/) [(link is external)](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases) - [USA.gov](https://www.usa.gov/) [(link is external)](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases) Stay Connected -  [Live Chat](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases) Live Chat with us, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. - [Get Email Alerts](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news-and-events/email-alerts) Receive automatic alerts about NHLBI related news and highlights from across the Institute. Footer Bottom [](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/) - [Contact Us](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/contact) - [Site Index](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/siteindex) - [Jobs](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/working-at-nhlbi) - [](https://www.facebook.com/NIH.NHLBI) - [](https://www.youtube.com/user/NHLBI) - [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-heart-lung-and-blood-institute) ✓ Thanks for sharing\! [AddToAny](https://www.addtoany.com/ "Share Buttons") [More…](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/childhood-interstitial-lung-diseases#addtoany "Show all") External Web Site Policy Close OK