Breathing

[Knee74]

Hi need advice has my breathing problems ie pain in lungs and shortness of breath got anything to do with rheumatoid arthritis

[helixhelix]

There's no way we can answer that....it can be to do with RA, it can be a reaction to the drugs, or it can be something totally different like an infection.

The only way to know for sure is to go see your doctor. But do book an appointment as it's important not to get lung problems get worse.

[Deniseelk]

I have been ( slightly) suffering similar for some time together with a gunky congestion that builds over night. Often waking me with a tickly cough to clear it off my chest. Eventually, I saw the GP who believes I have inflammation in the sinuses due to RA. I am now on nasal steroid spray and have just had a chest x-ray. After around 3 days I have seen an improvement but possibly hard to tell what has made the difference as I am also on Prednisolone due to a dreadful flare at this time. I certainly suggest you get it checked out.

[Gnarli]

Hi Knee74. We're not medically trained so cannot advise. However, in your position I'd want to see a doctor as soon as possible.

[Joy_1]

RA can involve your lungs. I have lung involvement with mine. Thankfully it is very mild. I had no pain just a persistent dry cough.

Hopefully in your case it is something straight forward like a bug.

However don't delay get an appt with your GP pronto!

[BonnieT]

I’m in the same situation. When I mention to my rheumy, no response. I am slightly worse with cough which gets better with an allergy tablet but that gives me a headache like my sinuses are too dried out. The cough can be annoying and worrisome.

[tom180711]

Please take care with this.... i currently have a pleural effusion, they think from RA, in all honesty i only felt a bit chesty and worse in mornings but luckily my gp sent me for an xray and it was picked up. Ive had a ct scan and needle biopsi and awaiting results.

Apparantly this is fairly rare but please get checked out even if you feel only a little bit unwell in the chest / lungs!

[Angels54]

Hi I’m not sure , however , I had chest infection was put on 3 lots of antibiotics, then sent for scan and told I have lung disease due to RA, I don’t smoke, bit if shock, get checked out with GP.

Sandie