In order to diagnose interstitial lung disease, a physician will perform a thorough history and physical exam, looking for the signs and symptoms of interstitial lung disease (such as “rales,” which are sounds heard with the stethoscope, and clubbing of the fingers).

Additional diagnostic tests may include the following:

• Pulmonary function tests (including 6 minute walk test)
• Blood tests (to look for connective tissue diseases and other disorders)
• CT scan of the chest
• Bronchoscopy and/or lung lavage
• Echocardiogram
• And possibly surgical Lung biopsy