Lung Disease

 

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the lungs. The complication is believed to be rare but it can occur when certain conditions exist. Among these is inflammation of the lining of the lung creating pleuritis and fluid collection. RA might also cause the formation of nodes inside the lungs. In almost all cases these nodes are harmless but in extreme cases can lead to collapsed lung, infection or the excessive accumulation of fluid (WebMD)

Sometimes a patient with rheumatoid arthritis may develop pulmonary hypertension.

“Pulmonary hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It makes the right side of the heart work harder than normal” (MedlinePlus).

Rheumatoid arthritis might also cause lung scaring. This results from long term inflammation of the lining of the lung. This can cause shortness of breath, cough, loss of appetite, fatigue, and or weakness (Mayo Clinic)

Here are two additional resources for Lung Disease: