Can rheumatoid arthritis affect the lungs?

[Guest guest]

Can rheumatoid arthritis affect the lungs?

Kim/ Canada

Mayo Clinic rheumatologist April Chang-, M.D., and colleagues answer

select questions from readers.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/AN00345

Answer

Yes. Although rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the joints and

surrounding tissues, it can also affect the lungs in several ways. However,

lung involvement is uncommon - occurring in only about 5 percent of people

with rheumatoid arthritis. Lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis

may include:

Pain with breathing (pleurisy). Rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation

of the lining (pleura) of the lungs, resulting in painful breathing. Fluid

due to inflammation may also accumulate around the lungs (pleural effusion),

which causes shortness of breath. Treatment is directed at the underlying

rheumatoid arthritis. If pleural effusion occurs, treatment may include

removing the fluid from the lungs.

Lung nodules (rheumatoid nodules). Rarely, small lumps (nodules) may form in

the lungs. These nodules are often associated with widespread joint

involvement and rheumatoid nodules on other parts of the body. Lung nodules

usually cause no signs or symptoms. Rarely, a nodule may rupture through the

pleura, causing the lung to collapse (pneumothorax).

Scarring of the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis). Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to

scarring of the connective tissue, which supports the air sacs (alveoli) in

the lungs. The main symptom is shortness of breath. Treatment may include

immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids.

The cause of lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis is unknown.

Sometimes medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis may result in lung

disease. Consult your doctor promptly if you have rheumatoid arthritis and

experience any unexplained breathing problems.