breathing trouble

[Bobbobby]

I’ve been RA positive for a few years now. I also have hypothyroidism. I’ve been having serious trouble breathing predating my RA diagnosis. I’ve been to pulmonologist, cardiologist, ENT , and a Gastroenterologist and emergency room. No one seems to know what’s going on. I have some evidence of reflux but not enough to cause this. It’s getting worse and I’m already on a few inhalers. I’m losing my mind and crying a lot

[Runrig01]

Have you had CT scans of your lungs. There are several breathing conditions associated with rheumatoid arthritis. I have ankylosing spondylitis, and developed shortness of breath 4.5yr ago. A high resolution CT, showed pulmonary fibrosis in my case. I’m not suggesting that’s what you have, but it’s one of the conditions that occur in rheumatology patients. I’m under the care of a respiratory specialist, and quite stable. I would like to think with the specialists that you’ve seen they would have done one. I also have what she refers to as microaspiration, and Atelectasis which is pockets of the lung have collapsed. That though is due to my ribs being fused due to the AS, so my lungs can’t expand fully. I’ve also been asthmatic for many years. I can understand your frustration not knowing the cause

[Bobbobby in reply to Runrig01]

I’m pretty sure he’s done it. I’ve been seeing him for over 3 years now. He said he’s running out of tests because he’s done so many. My last spirometer showed minor air trapping but he’s not convinced it’s the cause. It’s never shown up before and I’m on multiple inhalers with little improvement

Thank you for the reply I’m sorry about your condition how do you deal with it? Is it noticeable? It feels like my throat is swollen closed and I’m not inhaling properly

[Runrig01 in reply to Bobbobby]

I do ok. I’m a glass full girl, so don’t really let things get to me. I have many illnesses, and don’t like to think they are controlling me, but that I control them. Saying that I do struggle walking any distance, or inclines & stairs, but I just pace myself.

I’m. Sure you’d recall if you had a CT scan, you normally have a contrast injected prior to having the scan. Hopefully you’ll have answers soon.

[Llanberisman]

pulmonary fibrosis here too, caused by Arthur, they said. Damn nuisance, but like Runrig01 I pace myself.

[medway-lady]

Cyclindrical Bronchectasis? I had a sputum test then one of those sealed boxes type of thing but it’s just a thought and I hope you get some better ideas from other members.

[Tealblue2]

I have had the same. I’ve always been told it’s an exaggerated immune response and that it’s inflammation in the cartilage by my rib cage. That topped with low blood oxygen because of inflammation caused anemia. Always happens when I have a flare - but like you this has been happening way before my diagnosis. I only put the pieces together in the last few weeks

[oldtimer]

My breathing problems have been difficult to diagnose. I have long standing asthma but it became clear it was not that. Eventually diastolic heart failure was found on an echocardiagram.

[oldtimer2]

The other thing I thought about if you have already had this ruled out is hyperventilation. Surprisingly difficult to pinpoint as a cause: nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/medi...