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Scleroderma Lung Complications and Treatments

One of the main characteristics of scleroderma is the overproduction of collagen. Since certain parts of the lungs are made up of collagen, which can act like scar tissue in the lungs, this can make people with scleroderma vulnerable to serious breathing and lung complications.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

Scleroderma can cause scar tissue in the lungs and thickening in the walls of blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart to the lungs. When the blood is less able to flow smoothly it can lead to PAH.

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

Scleroderma-related ILD, or scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), occurs when there is inflammation and scarring to the lung tissue that supports the alveoli. Over time, this scarring makes it difficult to breathe in and out.

More Resources

Resources for Newly Diagnosed

There is a lot to understand about scleroderma. Here are some tools to help you as you begin managing this complicated disease.

Treatment Centers

Looking for treatment options near you? Check out our directory of U.S. treatment centers that are prepared to handle your needs while living with scleroderma.

Webinar Series

The Scleroderma Research Foundation hosts free online webinars providing information about scleroderma, disease management, and latest research advances.

Watch Highlights from the 2026 Scleroderma Patient Forum Sessions

New Horizons in the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis (2026)

Look ahead at emerging scleroderma treatments, including promising T-cell therapies and other advances shaping the future of care.

Scleroderma 201: Beyond the Basics (2026)

Go beyond the basics of scleroderma and learn how long-term care, monitoring, and treatment strategies can evolve over time.

Scleroderma 101: Understanding Your Diagnosis (2026)

Newly diagnosed with scleroderma? Learn what your diagnosis means, which tests to expect, and what to ask your care team.

The Latest News & Stories About Complications and Treatments

Raise Awareness

October 8, 2026

Finally Home on the Ranch: Stephen Refuses to Let Scleroderma Slow Him Down

"He is a DIY guy with a degree in electric engineering, so there really wasn't anything he couldn't do! He was in the peak of health and felt incredible," says Naomi W. of her husband Stephen (dx 2025). "Then, at the beginning of last year, something changed." "His hands became...

September 17, 2026

Missed Our SSc-ILD Webinar? Recording is Now Live on Youtube

The full recording of "Staying Ahead of Scleroderma-ILD: Understanding Treatment and Progression” is now live on the SRF YouTube channel—including the Q&A session, where attendees got real-time answers straight from our featured expert, Toby Maher, MD, PhD (Professor of Clinical Medicine at Keck School of Medicine at the University of...

September 8, 2026

Register Now: Only 1 Week Left Until Our SSc-ILD Focused Webinar on September 15

Join us on Tuesday, September 15 to hear from Toby Maher, MD, PhD (Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California).At the event, he will cover how SSc-ILD progression is recognized, the signs patients and clinicians should watch for, and how that recognition...

Raise Awareness

September 1, 2026

The 6th Annual ILD Day Is Just Around the Corner

The 6th Annual ILD Day is just around the corner! Register for two upcoming webinars from the Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF). ILD is one of the most serious complications of scleroderma, but it can also affect people living with a range of other conditions...

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