| Define: | An interstitial lung disease that is characterized by destruction, scarring, and thickening of the interstitial lung tissues and progressive pulmonary function loss in a restrictive pattern, has_symptom progressive shortness of breath, fatigue, and chronic cough, possibly has_material_basis_in exposure to certain chemicals, autoimmune conditions, and radiation. | A process in which normal lung tissues are progressively replaced by FIBROBLASTS and COLLAGEN causing an irreversible loss of the ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream via PULMONARY ALVEOLI. Patients show progressive DYSPNEA finally resulting in death. |