Cheyenne Suarez

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Understanding ILD: The rare lung disease

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<div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760687939522a1.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Photo source: Freepik"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Photo source: </em><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/woman-coughing-covering-her-mouth-with-her-hand_10314794.htm#fromView=search&amp;page=1&amp;position=19&amp;uuid=efd167f8-bff1-4e95-b142-f5b24d8ab603&amp;query=difficulty+breathing+asian" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Freepik</em></a><em> </em></span></span></span>Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs) are often misunderstood and overlooked health issues. Despite their prevalence, ILDs remain unfamiliar to many. </div><div style="line-height:1">  </div><p style="line-height:1">So, what exactly are ILDs? According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, ILDs are a group of several disorders that may cause scarring in your lungs and make it hard for you to breathe normally. ILDs may range from mild to serious, and even <a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/interstitial-lung-diseases" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">life-threatening</a>.</p><div style="line-height:1">  </div><p style="line-height:1">Spotting ILDs may be challenging. Symptoms such as a dry cough, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss may go unnoticed or be mistaken for other conditions. Recognizing these signs is crucial as they may indicate underlying <a href="https://pro.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/insights-in-ild/pcp/recognizing-ild" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">issues</a>. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Moreover, unexplained drops in oxygen saturation and persistent <a href="https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/interstitial-lung-disease#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20symptom%20of,decrease%20inflammation%20in%20the%20lungs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">shortness of breath</a> are among key warning signs of ILD. These symptoms are usually understood through a multi-specialty team discussion dedicated to the diagnosis and early treatment of the disease. A committed team may also help patients understand the intricacies of ILD and the potential for treatment that may improve quality of life. Even the <em>&quot;hingal na nakakapagod&quot;</em> (shortness of breath that is tiring) may have a future where it is addressed and managed.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">In 2022, the Department of Health reported 300,000 cases of acute respiratory infections in the country within six months. While Filipinos are familiar with common lung diseases such as asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rare but equally significant lung conditions like ILDs pose diagnostic <a href="https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/health-and-family/2023/08/29/2292024/national-lung-month-doctors-warn-vs-common-uncommon-lung-diseases" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">challenges</a>.</p><div style="line-height:1">  <strong></strong></div><div style="line-height:1"><strong> Who is at risk?</strong></div><div style="line-height:1">  </div><p style="line-height:1">According to the American Lung Association, anyone may develop ILD, including children, due to various factors such as genetics, certain medications or medical treatments, exposure to hazardous materials, and autoimmune diseases such as <a href="https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/sarcoidosis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sarcoidosis</a> or rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking may not only cause ILDs, but may make the condition much <a href="https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/interstitial-lung-disease" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">worse</a>.   </p><div style="line-height:1">   </div><p style="line-height:1">Not all shortness of breath is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or asthma. One may consider ILD if you or your loved one is experiencing unexplained <a href="https://pro.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/insights-in-ild/pcp/recognizing-ild" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">breathlessness</a>. </p><div style="line-height:1"> <span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176068808452320250502100512_Symptoms.png" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Photo source: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc."/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Photo source: </em><a href="https://pro.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/insights-in-ild/pcp/recognizing-ild" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. </em></a></span></span></span> </div><p style="line-height:1">Common signs and symptoms <a href="https://pro.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/insights-in-ild/pcp/recognizing-ild" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">include</a>:   </p><p style="line-height:1">- Nonproductive (dry) cough  </p><p style="line-height:1">- Dyspnea   </p><p style="line-height:1">- Dry inspiratory crackles, typically heard at the lung bases  </p><div style="line-height:1">   </div><p style="line-height:1">Other signs and symptoms <a href="https://pro.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/insights-in-ild/pcp/recognizing-ild" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">include</a>:   </p><p style="line-height:1">- Finger clubbing   </p><p style="line-height:1">- Unexplained weight loss   </p><p style="line-height:1">- Chest Pain   </p><p style="line-height:1">- Fatigue/Weakness   </p><p style="line-height:1">- Loss of appetite   </p><p style="line-height:1">- Sleeping difficulties   </p><div style="line-height:1">   </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Early detection is crucial</strong></div><div style="line-height:1">  </div><p style="line-height:1">Lung damage from ILDs is often <a href="https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/interstitial-lung-disease" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">irreversible</a>. However, treatment may prevent further deterioration and may help you breathe <a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/interstitial-lung-diseases" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easier</a>.  </p><div style="line-height:1">  </div><p style="line-height:1">Fortunately, there are dedicated ILD clinics across the country, including those at the Makati Medical Center and Lung Center of the Philippines.   </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Proactive approach to diagnosis and treatment</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176068817658420250502100512_LungCenter.png" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Photo source: Lung Center of the Philippines"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Photo source:</em><a href="https://lcp.gov.ph/radiological-services/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em> Lung Center of the Philippines</em></a><em> </em></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><p style="line-height:1">One of two leading hospitals in the Philippines are strengthening ILD care through specialized units in pulmonology, rheumatology, and radiology, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. Regular multidisciplinary discussions (MDDs), case sharing, and continuing medical education among centers help ensure timely diagnosis, accurate treatment, and uniform care. Teams comprised of committed specialists—including pulmonologists, radiologists, and rheumatologists—are essential to managing the complexity of ILDs, many of which are systemic and difficult to diagnose.</p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176068822590620250611140656_MMC01.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Photo provided by Boehringer Ingelheim"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Photo provided by Boehringer Ingelheim </em></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760688360548ad1.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Photos provided by Boehringer Ingelheim"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Photos provided by Boehringer Ingelheim </em></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Hospitals like Makati Medical Center and the Lung Center of the Philippines have seen improved outcomes through this approach. MMC formed its ILD team in late 2022, leading to over 50 MDDs and successful patient recoveries, including improved quality of life and reduced oxygen dependence. At LCP, the ILD Clinic has seen increasing referrals, including from outside Metro Manila, and collaborative care has led to symptom control and treatment planning.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Looking ahead, both institutions aim to increase awareness that many ILDs are underrecognized rather than rare. Strengthening referral networks, establishing screening centers, and enhancing communication with patients and caregivers are key goals. There is also a push to build a national ILD registry and advance local research to support early detection and effective, patient-centered care across the country.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">For more information visit the Boehringer Ingelheim <a href="https://pro.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/insights-in-ild/pcp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>. </p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><p style="line-height:1">MPR-PH-100425 | June 2025</p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div>

Understanding ILD: The rare lung disease

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Understanding ILD: The rare lung disease

Boehringer Ingelheim

Published Oct 20, 2025 04:05 PM PHT

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