India, Sept. 29 -- justify;">Breathlessness is often dismissed as ageing, lack of fitness, pollution or a lingering respiratory infection. A dry cough may be ignored for months. Many people simply adapt by walking more slowly, avoiding stairs, pausing during familiar activities or taking more breaks.

When these symptoms persist or gradually worsen, they should not be ignored. They may be signs of interstitial lung disease (ILD), a large group of conditions that affect the lung tissue itself. In some ILDs, inflammation or injury leads to fibrosis, which means permanent scarring of the lungs. The scarred lungs become stiffer and less able to transfer oxygen into the blood, making breathing and everyday activity increasingly difficult1.

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