title: Occupational Interstitial Lung Diseases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Evidence-based diagnostic and treatment guidelines for occupationally related interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) have been developed and are summarized herein.
  
  
  METHODS
  Comprehensive literature reviews were conducted with article abstraction, critiquing, objective grading, and evidence table compilation. A multidisciplinary expert panel drafted evidence- and consensus-based guidance. External peer-review was incorporated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recommendations for diagnosis (n = 12) and management (n = 4) of ILD were developed. Spirometric testing, chest radiographs, and high-resolution computerized tomographic scans were recommended based upon evidence. In addition to a detailed clinical history, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, sputum sampling, exposure assessment, 6-minute walk test, and bronchoalveolar lavage were also recommended. There was no recommendation regarding chest magnetic resonance imaging due to lack of evidence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recommendations for diagnosis and management of ILD are supported by quality evidence. These guidelines may be useful to help guide providers who are tasked with diagnosing and/or treating patients with occupationally related ILD.
authors.forename: Francesca K
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Litow
authors.forename: Edward Lee
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Petsonk
authors.forename: Bruce K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Bohnker
authors.forename: Carl A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Brodkin
authors.forename: Clayton T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Cowl
authors.forename: Tee L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Guidotti
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Harber
authors.forename: Jeremy J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Biggs
authors.forename: Kurt T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Hegmann
mesh_terms: D018893:Bronchoalveolar Lavage; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013147:Spirometry; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed