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Review
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Korean J Intern Med. 2026;41(6):969-981. Published online November 1, 2026.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2026.034
- Epidemiology of interstitial lung diseases in Asia
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Hee-Young Yoon1, Felicia S. W. Teo2,3
, Ju Hyun Oh4, Jin Woo Song5
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1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
2The Lung Clinic, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Mount Elizabeth Hospitals, Singapore
3Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, University Medicine Cluster, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore
4Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
5Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Corresponding author: Felicia S. W. Teo ,Tel: +65-6735-5000, Fax: +65-6235-9293, Email: drfeliciateo@thelungclinic.sg
Jin Woo Song ,Tel: +82-2-3010-3993, Fax: +82-2-3010-6968, Email: jwsongasan@gmail.com
- Received: January 14, 2026; Revised: April 10, 2026 Accepted: July 6, 2026.
- Abstract
- The epidemiology of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) in Asia has gained increasing attention with the emergence of new population- based datasets and national registries. Current evidence demonstrates that the burden and subtype distribution of ILDs vary considerably across regions, reflecting differences in genetic susceptibility, environmental or occupational exposure, and healthcare infrastructure. IPF is the commonest subtype of ILD in Europe and North America. However, Asian epidemiologic data suggest a more heterogeneous distribution, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis and sarcoidosis across the Indian subcontinent, and connective tissue disease-associated ILD among East Asians, comprising substantial disease burden. Although these studies provide important insights, they also reveal substantial methodological heterogeneity, including variable diagnostic code-based disease ascertainment, inconsistent case definitions, and limited availability of longitudinal follow-up. Environmental risk factors unique to Asian settings remain poorly characterized, and molecular or genomic data are sparse despite the fact that regional differences in disease phenotype and severity are evident. This review synthesizes and critically appraises the available epidemiological evidence on major ILD subtypes across Asia, summarizes emerging trends, and highlights key sources of variability in reported incidence and prevalence.
Keywords :Pulmonary fibrosis; Alveolitis, extrinsic allergic; Lung diseases, interstitial; Connective tissue diseases; Sarcoidosis
