Autoimmune/Rheumatic

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) in Rheumatic Diseases

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) in the context of rheumatic diseases refers to lung scarring and inflammation that occurs as a complication of autoimmune conditions such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, myositis, or Sjögren's syndrome. The inflammation can lead to progressive scarring (fibrosis), reducing the ability to breathe.

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Symptoms

2

Causes

3

Treatments

2

Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) in Rheumatic Diseases. This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

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Symptoms

  • Progressive shortness of breath
  • Dry cough
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Clubbing of fingers (in advanced disease)

Causes

  • Autoimmune-driven inflammation in the lung tissue
  • Associated conditions: scleroderma, RA, myositis, Sjögren's, MCTD

Diagnosis

  • Pulmonary function tests
  • High-resolution CT of chest
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage
  • Lung biopsy

Treatment

  • Immunosuppressants (mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide)
  • Antifibrotic agents (nintedanib) for some types
  • Treating underlying rheumatic disease

Risk Factors

  • Having scleroderma, RA, or myositis
  • Male sex
  • Smoking

Prevention

  • Not smoking
  • Early treatment of underlying disease

Prevalence

Occurs in up to 80% of scleroderma patients; about 10% of RA patients develop significant ILD.