Other names: Scleroderma-Associated ILD; SSc-ILD

Systemic sclerosis is auto immune rheumatic disorder which is caused by an overproduction of collagen and proteins in parts of the body which results in scarring in joints, skin, blood vessels and other organs.

One of the major complications of systemic sclerosis is interstitial lung disease which occurs when sclerosis affects tissue and space around the air sacs of the lungs.  This causes scarring and inflammation of the interstitial space and results in breathing difficulties, problems with oxygen transfer in the blood and coughing issues.

Early diagnosis which outlines the severity or stage of the disease is important so that treatment can be started to help stop disease progression, to achieve the best possible prognosis.

Drugs used to treat Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease