Which of the following is a common sign of interstitial lung disease?

Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a hallmark sign of interstitial lung disease. These conditions involve inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue, which leads to reduced lung compliance and impaired gas exchange. As the lung tissue becomes stiffer and less effective at taking in oxygen, patients experience an increasing sense of breathlessness, especially during physical activity. This progression can occur gradually, making it a key symptom for healthcare providers when diagnosing interstitial lung diseases.

While other symptoms like coughing may also be present in interstitial lung disease, they are not as definitive as dyspnea in identifying this condition. Heart palpitations and leg swelling are typically associated with cardiac conditions and not primarily indicative of interstitial lung disease. Thus, dyspnea stands out as a central and common sign linked specifically to the pathophysiological changes that occur in interstitial lung disease.