Rheumatoid lung disease

/Home/Complications of Arthritis/Arthritis and the Lungs/Alternative Medicine for Arthritis & Lung Problems

Rheumatoid lung disease
mercksource.com

Definition
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).

Alternative Names
Lung disease - rheumatoid arthritis; Rheumatoid nodules
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.

Symptoms
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
Exams and Tests
The doctor may hear crackles when listening to the lungs with a stethoscope (auscultation). Or, the patient may have decreased breath sounds, a rubbing sound, or normal breath sounds.

The following tests may show problems consistent with rheumatoid lung disease:

Chest x-ray
CT scan of the chest
Echocardiogram (may show pulmonary hypertension)
Needle inserted into the fluid around the lung (thoracentesis)
Bronchoscopic, video-assisted, or open lung biopsy
Treatment
This version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your healthcare professional.

Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome is related to the underlying disorder and the type and severity of lung disease.

Possible Complications
Pneumothorax
Pulmonary hypertension
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider PROMPTLY if you have rheumatoid arthritis and you develop unexplained breathing difficulties.

References
Strange C, Highland KB. Interstitial lung disease in the patient who has connective tissue disease. Clin Chest Med. September 2004;25:549-559.

Zrour SH, Touzi M, Bejia I, et al. Correlations between high-resolution computed tomography of the chest and clinical function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Prospective study in 75 patients. Joint Bone Spine. January 2005;72:41-47.


Copyright © 2002-2008 Merck & Co., Inc., All rights reserved. MerckSource is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.