Connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease

Connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) is a condition where autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus cause inflammation and scarring in the lung tissue. This damage makes it harder for the lungs to transfer oxygen into the blood, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing. It's a complication of autoimmune disorders, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, affecting the lungs along with other organs. Treatments aim to reduce inflammation and slow scarring, helping maintain lung function and improve quality of life.