Underlying diseases can also cause pulmonary fibrosis. Some cases are linked to autoimmune diseases, like scleroderma or Sjogren's syndrome, and about 30 to 40 percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis have pulmonary involvement. Gastroesophageal reflux disease may damage the lungs due to microaspiration of reflux. Certain viral infections also increase the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis.

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