People with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) often face a long and tough journey before getting a definite diagnosis. This complex path is challenging for both patients and their healthcare providers. Quickly and accurately identifying these conditions is crucial for starting the best management for their condition.

A recent study in the BMJ medical journal looked at how to expedite the diagnostic process. "Defining the pathway to timely diagnosis and treatment of interstitial lung disease: a US Delphi survey," involved primary care doctors and lung specialists. It highlighted symptoms needing attention, steps for diagnosis, and teamwork between medical fields for ILD patients.

It is recognized that symptoms of ILD are frequently insidious and non-specific. Patients often minimize their symptoms or simply attribute them to getting older. When they finally see their primary doctor, they may get a battery of tests for heart and lung problems before being sent to a pulmonologist. Some people even had to see their regular doctor more than four times before getting sent to the right specialist.[1]

This research outlines key symptoms and features signaling a need for suspecting ILD in the differential diagnosis and outlines consensus statements to facilitate timely diagnosis in primary care and outpatient pulmonary settings. It emphasizes the importance of smooth transitions between medical specialties for ILD patients and stresses the collaboration required among primary care providers, rheumatologists, community pulmonologists, and ILD specialists to ensure proper care. Enhanced awareness and understanding of the necessary steps can minimize delays in referrals and streamline the process for diagnosing and managing ILD.