Understanding ILD:
Awareness, Research & Care
A resource site on interstitial lung disease in Malaysia.
What is Interstitial Lung Disease?
ILD is an umbrella term for over 200 disorders that cause progressive scarring of lung tissue, impairing breathing and oxygen exchange. Early diagnosis is critical — damage is often irreversible.
Symptoms
Persistent dry cough, shortness of breath during exertion, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Early symptoms mimic asthma or COPD, leading to frequent misdiagnosis.
Diagnosis
High-Resolution CT (HRCT) is the gold standard, combined with pulmonary function tests, blood tests, and biopsy. Access to timely HRCT remains uneven across Malaysia.
Causes & Risk Factors
Occupational exposures (silica, asbestos), autoimmune diseases, environmental factors, and certain medications. Many cases, like IPF, have no identifiable cause.
Treatment
Antifibrotic drugs can slow progression; oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation support quality of life. Severe cases may require lung transplantation.
ILD in Malaysia
Despite affecting over 80,000 Malaysians annually, ILD remains under-recognised. Malaysia's multiethnic population and varied geography mean its ILD profile may differ significantly from global data.
Late Diagnosis
Symptoms mimic asthma and COPD, meaning ILD is often identified only once fibrosis is irreversible and lung function is already significantly lost.
Limited HRCT Access
Scanners are prioritised for cancer staging and infections; specialist radiologist interpretation is uneven outside major hospitals.
Specialist Shortage
Only 5 of Malaysia's 41 respiratory physicians have ILD-specific training, creating significant care gaps outside urban centres.
No National Registry
The absence of a formal ILD registry limits understanding of local epidemiology, subtypes, and outcomes needed to guide policy and resource allocation.
Treatment Costs
Antifibrotic medications and oxygen therapy carry significant out-of-pocket costs, often uncovered by insurance, burdening patients and families.
Publications & Resources
Policy recommendations
Briefs
Event Reports
