Causes of Interstitial Lung Disease
As with most chronic lung conditions, smoking is linked to interstitial lung disease. If you smoke, used to smoke or have been around a lot of secondhand smoke, you may be at a higher risk for developing interstitial lung disease.

Interstitial lung disease typically develops inflammation as a reaction of your lungs to some perceived external threat. Along with smoking, the following are known to cause interstitial lung disease:

Dusty environments
Chemicals
Asbestos
Radiation
Certain medications – certain anti-inflammatory drugs, chemotherapy drugs, heart medications and antibiotics are linked to interstitial lung disease