Lung Problems with RA

[LuckyMB78]

Has anyone else been diagnosed with lung problems associated with RA? Something has come up on my CT scan but the rheumatologist was a bit vague. I think further tests need to be done but it’s left me feeling quite worried.

[Lolabridge]

I understand that lung problems can either be caused by RA or some of the drugs we take for it. I got pneumonitis and a partially collapsed lung from methotrexate but other people have no problem taking it.

If the phrase interstitial lung disease is mentioned that’s an umbrella term the medics some times use.

Whatever you are diagnosed with I hope it gets treated and you recover soon.

[LuckyMB78 in reply to Lolabridge]

Thanks, I didn’t realise that was an umbrella term, does make it a bit less concerning. It would be good to get a bit more specific info from rheumatology but the appointments are so far apart. I’m sorry to hear about the effect methotrexate had on you, I got quite severe side effects from it straight away so had to stop taking it pretty much immediately. Did they find you a good alternative?

[Lolabridge in reply to LuckyMB78]

Yes the biologic drug I’m on now is working very well and I’ve had no more lung problems.

[smilelines]

I was just reading about that today because I have had a cough since I’ve had RA symptoms. It seems like there is a link and several different lung problems can happen when you have chronic lung inflammation. It said to see a doctor if you are having pain and difficulty breathing. Unless you are in pain maybe it is best not to worry as it may not be serious. They said we can get lung nodules sometimes.

[LuckyMB78 in reply to smilelines]

Thanks, that’s reassuring. I’m not in pain but have also had a cough since the RA started. I’ve had a horrible sore throat that flares up when I taper off steroids but no one has been able to shed much light on that either. It’s all such a puzzle!

[smilelines in reply to LuckyMB78]

I have not had a sore throat but jeez that sounds terrible. Do you think a medicine could be giving you the sore throat??? I read on here that someone had lacing in their lungs from the RA. Really not sure what that is. Do you think your RA is controlled? I am hoping once I am controlled my cough will go away and my chest inflammation will disappear. I don’t know though. I think it is a good sign that you don’t have a bunch of people responding that they have lung problems and Lolabridge gives us hope to in that her problems have gone away.

[sunnyweek]

Hello, I hope you get some answers soon. If they were concerned I think they would see you sooner.I had lung problems, pneumonitis/alveolitis due to drugs, either methotrexate or humira, they weren't sure which. High dose steroids was the treatment and off the drugs immediately. But RA can affects lungs too.

I hope you are soon reassured by your rheumatologist.

[Sheila_G]

I have had RA for 19 years and was diagnosed with bronchiectasis 10 years ago but I was told that it was nothing to do with mxt and it was because I smoked 30 years previously, for many years. Again, who knows?

[kittypebbles]

I've always had lung problems but mainly asthma and COPD (have never smoked). More recently, and during a flare up of my RA my Rheumatologist wanted to start biologic meds therefore a chest x-ray was done which showed lung scarring. This was followed up by a CT scan which confirmed this and showed scarring of both lung bases. Rheumatologist put this down to lung inflammation due to the flare - no treatment required as, apart from cough and tendency to chest infections/pneumonia I was fine and not breathless unless walking uphill etc. It was felt that as long as inflammation was kept under control things would remain stable. I do hope that you get some reassurance/treatment soon and things are kept under control. Take care.

[Bobbiebella]

I’ve had lung problems for a long time, when diagnosed in March with RA the consultant would not prescribe me methotrexate, apparently it can cause lung problems...after having a severe reaction to sulfasalazine he’s now given me methotrexate...not too pleased..hope your results are good, with no long lasting issues.xx

[carbeck]

I have had RA for nearly 30 years and I have had Bronchiectasis for about 10 years and was initially told it was probably caused by the RA but my Respiratory Dr said she thinks I had it before the RA as I had several bouts of pneumonia in early childhood. But I have noticed that several people with RA have Bronchiectasis as well so who knows. I hope you soon get your diagnosis and treatment

[stbernhard]

I have small lesions in my lungs, probably through RA or the medication. Had the for a long time and I am not aware of them. No bother. I hope you find out soon what they found. Don't worry before you know what is what.

[Dave74]

Yes I have, I had air pockets on my right lung that's caused a collapsed lung 4 times, I had an op just before lockdown so was lucky! Was painful recovery, but have felt fine since! Any more info drop me a message!

[Evaibrahim60]

Yes Lucky I have been there during 2018 &2019. I had lung fluid as well. Earlier 2018 I had a bad chest infection and I’ve been suffering shallow breathing for very long after. Any way to cut it short I had lung surgery to remove the fluid and testing a few nodules. The result said it was associated with RA.

[Blodynhaul in reply to Evaibrahim60]

Very sad to hear that. Hope it's helped and you'll be OK

[LuckyMB78 in reply to Evaibrahim60]

I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I hope things are feeling easier now they’ve removed the fluid. I’ve contacted my rheumatology consultant and waiting for a response. Just a bit more info would help. I’ve found much more insight from people here so thanks for sharing your experience