Autoimmune interstitial lung disease (autoimmune ILD)

Autoimmune interstitial lung disease is inflammation and sometimes scarring of the lung tissue linked to an immune-mediated process, often occurring alongside conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or myositis. In these connective tissue diseases the immune system's activity against the body's own tissue extends to the delicate lung tissue surrounding the air sacs, making the lungs stiffer over time and gas exchange harder.

Research describes a related pattern called interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features, used when a person has lung scarring and some laboratory or clinical signs of autoimmunity and up to 90 percent of these patients show positive antinuclear antibodies, without meeting full criteria for a specific connective tissue disease. Interstitial lung disease is common in systemic sclerosis, polymyositis and dermatomyositis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and is described as a leading cause of illness and mortality among people with these conditions. The most common symptoms are a persistent dry cough and gradually worsening shortness of breath, often developing slowly over months.

Common signs

The most common symptoms are a persistent dry cough and gradually worsening shortness of breath, especially with activity. People may also have fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, and at times chest discomfort. Symptoms can come on slowly over months.

This is a plain-language summary for orientation, not a diagnosis. Mechanisms are described as current understanding, not settled fact. Work with your own clinician for your care.