Guide To Treating Interstitial Lung Disease

Follow A Nutritionally Rich Diet

Eating can be difficult for individuals with interstitial lung disease. When breathing is difficult, the extra energy needed to eat can be difficult to muster. As a result, many patients lose a significant amount of weight or become unhealthy. Patients are often advised to follow a nutritionally rich diet to ensure they get enough calories, despite how much or how often they eat. Nutritional counseling and support is a part of the treatment for interstitial lung disease, and many patients will be referred to a dietitian for further assistance and support with their diet and nutritional needs. Patients suffering from acid reflux might have even more difficulty with their eating habits or being able to eat enough food. In this case, a nutritionist can assist in identifying foods that trigger reflux and find dietary alternatives, if they are available.