Children’s Interstitial and Diffuse Lung Disease (chILD) is not a single disease. Instead, it is a group of rare lung diseases found in infants, children, and adolescents. There are different types of chILD that vary in their severity and in their long-term outcomes. In simplest terms, all types of chILD decrease a child’s ability to supply oxygen to their body. Early diagnosis and treatment is important for any form of chILD. If you suspect your child has chILD, consult a pediatric pulmonologist with expertise in chILD.
The information about chILD is limited to the number of research studies that have been done to date. However, there are a few things you can do:
- Keep checking our website. We’re working on getting as much information posted as possible. This non-profit group consists of families affected by chILD as well as the physicians treating ILD and working on finding a cure. There is information on disease specific information, descriptions of diagnostic testing, and tips for living with chILD.
- Ask your pediatrician for more information, but don’t be surprised if he or she doesn’t have enough. chILD is rare and not every doctor has had a chance to learn about it. If there is interest, your doctor can contact the clinical research network for more information.
- Connect with other families through our family forums and on Facebook and Twitter.
For more information or support, please contact us.