Rheumatoid Lung Disease
Rheumatoid Lung Disease
livestrong.com
What is it?
Rheumatoid lung disease is a group of lung problems related to rheumatoid arthritis. The condition can include fluid in the chest (pleural effusions), scarring (pulmonary fibrosis), lumps (nodules), and high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
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Alternative names
Lung disease - rheumatoid arthritis; Rheumatoid nodules
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Causes
Pulmonary abnormalities are common in rheumatoid arthritis, but they often cause no symptoms. The causes of lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis are unknown. Sometimes the medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis may result in lung disease.
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Symptoms & Signs
Shortness of breath
Cough
Chest pain
Fever
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease include the following:
Joint swelling
Joint stiffness
Joint pain
Skin nodules
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Treatments
Many people with this condition have no symptoms. Therefore, therapies are aimed at treating the underlying disorder and complications resulting from the disorder. Corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapies are sometimes useful.
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Where to get support
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Prognosis
The outcome is related to the underlying disorder and the type and severity of lung disease.
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Possible Complications
Pneumothorax
Pulmonary hypertension
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When to contact a medical professional
Call your health care provider PROMPTLY if you have rheumatoid arthritis and you develop unexplained breathing difficulties.
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Prevention
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