what is the life expectancy of a person with interstitial lung disease

The life expectancy of a person with interstitial lung disease can vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the disease. For example, the most common form of interstitial lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), has a life expectancy of approximately 3-5 years after diagnosis for people with the most severe and rapidly worsening forms of the disease. However, people with other types of interstitial lung disease, like sarcoidosis, can live much longer. In a study of rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease patients, there was a 10% mortality rate at 3 years, a 30% at 6 years, and a 50% at 9 years. Another study found that the median survival times were 58 and 54 months in progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases and IPF groups, respectively. Its important to note that treatments can help maintain quality of life and slow the progression of lung damage, which can improve the chance of survival.