AiArthritis logo showing stylized infinite loop symbol in red with black dots, above organization name for International Foundation for Autoimmune & Autoinflammatory Arthritis.

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)



Living with an AiArthritis disease means being aware of how it can affect not just your joints, but other parts of your body too—like your lungs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a condition that can develop in people with AiArthritis diseases, where the tissues in your lungs become inflamed and scarred.


It might sound a bit overwhelming, but it’s important to know that around 10–40% of people with Rheumatoid Arthritis can develop ILD at some point.


Catching it early can make a big difference! Symptoms like a persistent cough or feeling short of breath shouldn’t be ignored—they’re worth bringing up with your doctor. By learning about ILD and tracking any lung-related symptoms, you’re taking an important step toward managing your health and staying ahead of potential complications. Remember, the more you know, the better you can advocate for yourself.

Take a Breath - A Patient Guide for Understanding Lung Involvement Risk for AiArthritis Patients


Take a Breath - A Patient Guide for Understanding Lung Involvement Risk for AiArthritis Patients

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The Patient Perspective


Learn from Lived Experience Experts Cyndi and Denae what it is like to live with Interstitial Lung Disease

Social Media Clips

Full Interviews

Interstitial Lung Disease Educational Social Media Graphics

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Go With Us!


Highlighting Interstitial Lung Disease Research at ACR and EULAR annual meetings

Looking to Connect with Fellow Lived Experience Experts?

Join Our Co-Existing Condition Slack Community

In our online community, you can engage in relatable conversations with those who have experiences similar to yours.

Join Our Online Community

Other Interstitial Lung Disease Resources

Boeinger Ingleheim's Lungs&You is a great resource for learning more about ILD. 

Visit Lungs&You Website See if you are at risk for ILD Find a Pulmonologist

Here are some organizations that provide support, resources, and information about Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD):


  • Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF): Offers support, education, and resources for individuals with pulmonary fibrosis, a common type of ILD.
  • Inspire: Connects people living with ILD and their caregivers through support communities.
  • PF Warriors: A volunteer-based group of people living with different types of pulmonary fibrosis, offering support and resources.
  • National Scleroderma Foundation
  • Sjögren’s Foundation
  • Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research
  • Arthritis Foundation


Interstitial Lung Disease Awareness Day

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Day was established in 2021 to raise awareness about ILD and is observed annually on the second Wednesday in September. This significant day is supported by a coalition of nine organizations dedicated to assisting patients affected by ILD: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Arthritis Foundation, Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, The Myositis Association, PF Warriors, Scleroderma Foundation, Scleroderma Research Foundation, Sjögren's Foundation, and Wescoe Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis.


 For more information, visit www.ILDDay.org.

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