Lung Problems

[Jackadoodle]

Just enquiring if anyone on MTX has noticed any deterioration in lung function.

[Izzyowl]

Yes me although my lung scan and tests came back as clear. I developed a hacking cough and then Bronchitis when my lymphocyte count dropped. I'm now off MTX and on Sulphasalazine and so far so good although not yet on my target dose. There is a lot of trial and error to work out what suits us best and do let your Rheumy Nurse or GP know about your chest issues asap.

[Nsmith13 in reply to Izzyowl]

I've had chest issues with mtx not on it at moment but my angina seems to have got worse I'm at my docs today so will mention it

[helixhelix]

It's a listed thing to be alert to with MTX, so tell your medical team straight away. Last year I became very breathless, so was sent for scans straight away. It turned out to be unrelated, but better to get it checked.

[Gameo]

I was wondering how long have you been on mtx, did you have all of the tests to check the condition of your lungs, just as one of your reply’s l to was given the all clear, and before anyone says it works for them it doesn’t work for all my lungs are not good and no cure for them l just hope you are not one of the few good luck hope you are ok

[AgedCrone]

I took Mtx for 7 years & had no lung problems at all.

However I have never had any respiratory problems.....if you have had chest infections etc I'd check with your doctor.

[Gigi71]

I have been wondering if mtx is a contribribuary factor with my cough. My GP seems to blame my hiatus hernia and reflux. I was given a chest X-ray before going on it. It showed a white opacity and a further ct scan a small nodule, however I was still put on it about 20 months ago. Am waiting to see my GP to discuss this again. X

[Jackadoodle in reply to Gigi71]

Interesting replies Thankyou very much, my Rumy consultant sent me for a for a heart check as I was out of breath to cut a long story short I ended up having a stent 2 weeks ago but I have had no improvement in my breathing, I monitor my heart beat through my watch, and as soon as I have any exertion I get out of breath and my heart beat goes up into the hundreds ie 123 today with a low of 65

[Gigi71 in reply to Jackadoodle]

Oh dear sorry to hear that, just hope you are being monitored. Wonder why you are still on mtx. Having RD for 30 plus years plus many other problems. The last quarter of last year I had a failed cataract op and had to come off mtx, plus my Humira. I ended up waiting Two months for a new lens in my eye. I had a bad chest infection and this was cleared up with antibiotics, over Christmas I had gastro enteritis for nine days I didn't start mtx and Humira till the middle of January and the cough started again. I read a post on the Thyroid forum were someone suggested a prolonged cough could be a sign of heart failure so your reply was interesting. All the best to you. X

[wishbone in reply to Gigi71]

Hiya Gigi,

Can only say what action my rheumy and chest consultant took when a routine x-ray to start methotrexate discovered abnormalities in my lungs........

Sent for CT scan and referred to a chest consultant who informed me that along with a RA related lung condition, the CT scan also showed a single nodule. Was sent for very thorough lung function test. Had a second CT scan and lung function test one year later to check for any change. Thankfully the nodule showed no change and my consultant is happy that it's RA related, as are the majority, so no need for further action there. My next appointment with chest consultant is in June, one year after he last saw me. If my lung function test shows no further deterioration then he will discharge me.... all digits firmly crossed for that one!

edit...if you're not happy with your GP's response then it might be a good idea to see your rheumy.

[Gigi71 in reply to wishbone]

Thanks for your reply wishbone, I think my rheumy was satisfied it wasn't anything serious at the time. An X-ray I had for costochonditus a year previously showed this nodule and it hadn't grown A further X-ray at Christmas ordered by my GP showed I have a large hiatus hernia. I have had a hiatus hernia for many years and take lansoprazol for this. I have never smoked so my oh gets very worried about this cough. Fingers crossed for you. X

[wishbone in reply to Gigi71]

That's good to hear.

Was the white opacity you mention due to do with the nodule?

[Matilda_1922 in reply to Gigi71]

My chest xrays were clear but CT scan revealed a lung problem

[Gigi71 in reply to Matilda_1922]

A CT scan followed the X-ray and after that a further X-ray I also apparently have a nodule on my 5th rib as well. I have a gangalin on my left knuckle had this for over a year in the 6 weeks it has doubled in size. I am beginning to think I am susceptible to lumps etc and must be RA related. All the best to you X

[Gigi71]

No. My rheumy phoned me at home at the time and asked if I had, had an untreated chest infection, not as far as I knew, but I am not fond of anitbiotic's and certainly my GP doesn't just hand them out. I think again they though it was my hiatus hernia. I also had an ultra sound as I have simple cysts on my liver and polyps on my gall bladder, these again will need a chase up to confirm they are just that. It takes an age to see my GP, there is little point in seeing anyone else in the practice. We can ring on the day if we have an emergency. I saw my rheumy in the beginning of April and there is always so much to say. My cough wasn't as bad then. If I'm not happy with my GP's opinion I will write to her. I am booked to see him on the 21st May. X

[wishbone in reply to Gigi71]

I see, thanks for clarifying.

Good luck Gigi

[Matilda_1922]

I was diagnosed with a lung condition in December after months with a chesty cough. Respiratory specialist said it could be me RA medication that may have caused it.

I have a rescue antibiotics if needed. I think I may need to use them as cough now getting worse again in the last couple of weeks.

[Gigi71 in reply to Matilda_1922]

Hi Matilda. It's a shame they can't be more specific, we aren't medically trained, but we are all different and react to the drugs differently. We have to do a lot of digging ourselves, thank goodness for this forum, no question is too silly. Having lived with RA for many years it's all a balance with taking the drugs. I do wish you all the best. X

[KitKatDude]

Hi Jackadoodle

I was on methotrexate for 4 years having had one lung MRI when I was in hospital for pneumonia. It has not been monitored since. I don’t want to be a scaremonger...... just giving you the facts of my case. Get your lungs regularly tested... they are supposed to do this. I have just found out the methotrexate has given me interstitial lung disease which I looked up in Arthritis Research Uk whilst I was waiting for my appointment (last September diagnosed...taken off methotrexate at the same time, lung appointment last week) I have spent all that time knowing it is a co-morbid disease and although they won’t put a time limit on it... I have 3 to 5 years to live.

This is not as unusual as they make out. Primary care givers often don’t connect the two. If the drug is working for you just make sure you insist on not just X-rays but CT scans too. I’m sure you are fine but better safe than sorry. If I’d known.... well.... I didn’t so please also spread the word

I wish you luck and am sure your news will be better than mine 😊☀️🌈

[Jackadoodle in reply to KitKatDude]

Many thanks for the information I have my 6month review with my Rumy Consultant next week and will mention it to him. I wish you all the best for the future and it is very beneficial to have this forum where we can share our experiences. Thankyou

[Mmrr]

I notice you are sulphasalazine too - it was sulphasalazine that effected my lungs.

[weatherwax]

Hi. I noticed that I developed a dry cough when on MTX which was put down as post nasal drip until I got breathless, had a raised temp and the cough. I phoned rheumy and was told to stop the MTX immediately, see GP urgently to listen to my chest and if he felt it right to get a chest x-ray done immediately. Turned out to be pnemonitis. Later on after being kept off all meds I had a lung function test and a HD CT scan which showed I had some pulmonary fibrosis. They don't know if this was caused by MTX or the RA so no more MTX or lots of other drugs. Am now on Rituximab and seems to be helping though only time will tell.