Medical experts warn of rising risks from interstitial lung diseases

Medical experts are raising alarms regarding interstitial lung diseases (ILD), a group of over 200 respiratory conditions that cause damage to the tissue between air sacs in the lungs. A particularly concerning subset is progressive pulmonary fibrosis, which can lead to irreversible scarring and respiratory failure. Experts note that the prognosis for these conditions can be severe; in progressive cases, approximately 50% of patients survive only 2.5 years after diagnosis, and 20% survive less than five years.

At a scientific workshop organized by Phuong Dong General Hospital, which brought together specialists from Vietnam and Thailand, doctors discussed the challenges of diagnosing these often-overlooked non-communicable diseases. One specific area of concern is hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which is seeing an upward trend in cases at the National Lung Hospital.

Risk factors for these conditions include exposure to organic dusts, molds, and allergens found in daily environments. Common triggers include contact with birds, poultry, and certain household items like down feathers, as well as occupational exposures in industries such as textiles, leather processing, and agriculture. Due to the complexity of diagnosis and the scarcity of specialized medical personnel, experts emphasize the urgent need for improved diagnostic capabilities and updated treatment protocols to ensure early intervention.