context: Goodpasture syndrome is a rare but serious autoimmune disease that attacks the lungs and kidneys. The disease occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly produces antibodies against collagen in the lungs and kidneys. Collagen is a protein that helps form connective tissue. Goodpasture syndrome initially causes vague symptoms such as fatigue. But it can rapidly involve the lungs and kidneys. It is almost always fatal if it is not quickly diagnosed and treated. Researchers do not fully understand why the immune system attacks collagen in the lungs and kidneys. Goodpasture syndrome can run in families. So some researchers believe it may have a genetic component. Other factors that may increase the risk of Goodpasture syndrome include: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as hydrocarbon solvents and the weed killer paraquat Exposure to metallic dust Use of certain drugs, such as cocaine Tobacco smoking Viral infections Goodpasture syndrome usually affects young men. It more often occurs among whites, and it most commonly affects people who are: Between ages 20 and 30 Older than age 60 The first signs of Goodpasture syndrome may include: Fatigue Nausea and vomiting Difficulty breathing Pale skin Because Goodpasture syndrome may rapidly involve the lungs, initial symptoms such as shortness of breath can quickly progress to a persistent cough, sometimes with blood. When Goodpasture syndrome affects the kidneys, symptoms may include: Blood in the urine Foamy urine Swelling in the legs High blood pressure Burning or difficulty when urinating Back pain below the ribs Swelling of the hands and feet Although Goodpasture syndrome may cause life-threatening bleeding in the lungs, it usually does not result in long-term lung damage. The most serious consequence of Goodpasture syndrome is kidney failure, which may require either dialysis or a kidney transplant. See your doctor at once if you develop the characteristic symptoms of Goodpasture syndrome. He or she may order the following diagnostic tests: Urinalysis. High levels of protein and high numbers of red blood cells in urine may indicate kidney damage. Blood test. A blood sample can be analyzed for the presence of antibodies that attack the lungs and kidneys. Chest X-ray. Results can identify lung damage. For example, abnormal white patches are associated with lung bleeding. Biopsy. A small sample of kidney or lung tissue may need to be removed to check for the presence of Goodpasture syndrome antibodies. An analysis of kidney tissue can also identify the extent of any kidney damage. Goodpasture syndrome requires prompt and aggressive treatment in order to: Fight harmful antibodies Control fluid buildup Control high blood pressure Prevent serious lung and kidney damage Treatment usually includes oral immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids. These drugs decrease the immune system's production of Goodpasture syndrome antibodies. In some cases, intravenous corticosteroids may be needed to control bleeding in the lungs. Depending on the patient's response to therapy, treatment with immunosuppressive drugs may continue for six to 12 months. Treatment of Goodpasture syndrome also usually includes a procedure called plasmapheresis. This helps remove harmful antibodies from the blood. During this procedure, about 300 milliliters of blood at a time are drawn from the body and placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the red and white blood cells from the plasma, the component that contains Goodpasture syndrome antibodies. Then the red and white blood cells are mixed into a plasma substitute and returned to the body. Usually, plasmapheresis is continued daily for several weeks. Goodpasture syndrome may last several weeks or as long as two years. Until the disease runs its course, some patients may need to be placed on supplemental oxygen or a ventilator. Other patients may require blood transfusions. Although kidney failure is a common complication of Goodpasture syndrome, less than 30% of surviving patients need long-term dialysis.