Overview
Autoimmune interstitial lung disease-arthritis syndrome is a rare condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues — mainly the lungs and joints. 'Interstitial lung disease' means that the tissue and space around the tiny air sacs in the lungs become inflamed and can scar over time, making it harder to breathe. At the same time, the joints become inflamed and painful, similar to what happens in rheumatoid arthritis. This combination of lung and joint problems happening together is what makes this syndrome distinct. People with this condition often notice shortness of breath, a dry cough, and joint pain or swelling. Over time, if the lung inflammation is not controlled, scar tissue can build up — a process called fibrosis — which can permanently reduce lung function. The joint symptoms can also limit movement and daily activities. Treatment focuses on calming the immune system to reduce inflammation and slow damage. Doctors typically use immunosuppressive medicines — drugs that turn down the immune response. These do not cure the disease but can help manage symptoms and slow its progression. Regular monitoring by lung and joint specialists is an important part of care. Research into better-targeted therapies is ongoing, and early diagnosis is key to protecting lung function.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Shortness of breath, especially with activityDry, persistent coughJoint pain and swelling, often in the hands, wrists, or kneesMorning stiffness in the jointsFatigue and low energyReduced ability to exercise or walk long distancesCrackling sounds in the lungs when breathing (heard by a doctor)Finger or toe clubbing (widening and rounding of fingertips) in some casesChest tightness or discomfortUnintentional weight loss in some people
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Autoimmune interstitial lung disease-arthritis syndrome.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Autoimmune interstitial lung disease-arthritis syndrome at this time.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Autoimmune interstitial lung disease-arthritis syndrome.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How severe is my lung involvement right now, and how quickly might it progress?,Which medications do you recommend for me, and what are the main side effects I should watch for?,Should I have genetic testing, and could other family members be at risk?,What signs should prompt me to go to the emergency room?,Is pulmonary rehabilitation appropriate for me, and how do I access it?,How often will I need lung function tests and blood monitoring?,Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?
Common questions about Autoimmune interstitial lung disease-arthritis syndrome
What is Autoimmune interstitial lung disease-arthritis syndrome?
Autoimmune interstitial lung disease-arthritis syndrome is a rare condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues — mainly the lungs and joints. 'Interstitial lung disease' means that the tissue and space around the tiny air sacs in the lungs become inflamed and can scar over time, making it harder to breathe. At the same time, the joints become inflamed and painful, similar to what happens in rheumatoid arthritis. This combination of lung and joint problems happening together is what makes this syndrome distinct. People with this condition often notice shortness o
At what age does Autoimmune interstitial lung disease-arthritis syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Autoimmune interstitial lung disease-arthritis syndrome is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Autoimmune interstitial lung disease-arthritis syndrome?
3 specialists and care centers treating Autoimmune interstitial lung disease-arthritis syndrome are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.