Bahrain Specialist Hospital – Take a Breath

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Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. There is a 50 per cent chance that it can, at the same time, involve the lungs.
The lung problems most often linked to rheumatoid arthritis include:

Scarring related to long-term inflammation (interstitial lung disease) may cause shortness of breath, chronic dry cough, fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite.
Small lumps can form in the lungs (rheumatoid nodules), as well as in other parts of the body. Lung nodules usually cause no signs or symptoms, and they don’t pose a risk of lung cancer. In some cases, however, a nodule can rupture.

The tissue surrounding the lungs, known as the pleura, can become inflamed. This is often accompanied by a buildup of fluid between two layers of the pleura (pleural effusion). Sometimes this resolves on its own. A large pleural effusion, however, can cause shortness of breath. Pleural disease may also cause fever and pain on breathing.

The joint of the throat (cricoarytenoid) may become involved, causing difficulty with inhalation and occasionally resulting in wheezing. A sore throat and hoarseness are other common complaints.

The small air pipes of the lungs may become inflamed causing progressive breathing difficulty and a cough.
Some treatment medicines can also make symptoms worse.

These complications often indicate an untreated or not well treated condition. The best way forward is expert follow-up to assess your joint pains. Keep regular checks on any symptoms involving the lungs.

Radiological investigations including CT scan may detect the exact underlying structural lung changes. Spirometry or lung function tests can detect changes in the functional capacity of the lungs. Early changes can be treatable.

Discuss all treatment options with the physician, weighing the benefits and side effects of the medications used to treat the rheumatoid arthritis.

Call 17 812-222 or email: [email protected]