Do we neglect nutrition in childhood interstitial lung disease?

Abstract

Growth failure and inadequate weight gain are common problems in childhood interstitial lung diseases (chILD) and these children usually need high calories. It is important to manage both pulmonary functions and nutrition as part of their overall treatment plan and early interventions will help children to improve their quality of life and slow the progression of chronic lung disease. Nutritional evaluation on routine clinical follow-up is important, although there are not any specific guidelines for chILD. Nutritional education, high balanced energy, protein, and fat diet will assist to improve weight gain and maintenance of adequate nutrition status in children with ILD.