RA affecting lungs?

[AW600]

how do you know if RA is affecting your lungs? I also suffer with sensitivities to smells, hayfever and chronic urticaria too, but have had a really tight chest the last few days triggered by my daughter’s strong washing powder believe it or not! I haven’t felt right since and just wonder if I should mention it to my GP?

[Shoosh_kw]

Hi AW600, I do have the same problem with any thing that smells strong even cleaning products. I started to use eco friendly products although they are more expensive. Also, the pollen and allergy season makes me stay home as that triggers my sinus too. I take Antihistamin to help me a bit. Hope you feel better soon.

[Runrig01]

I have ankylosing spondylitis rather than RA. My ribs have been fused for years, with only 0.8cm chest expansion. I already had asthma, but I noticed I was more breathless doing things like climbing stairs, or inclines. Feeling like I couldn’t take a breath.. initially they tried increasing my inhalers and short courses of steroids. Eventually the gp ordered HRCT which showed both pulmonary fibrosis due to years of uncontrolled inflammation, as well as Atelectasis due to the lungs not being able to expand fully, as a result of the fusion. I was urgently referred to a respiratory specialist, who continues to monitor me

[Deeb1764]

my lungs started giving me issues within 6months of diagnosis. It took another year for my GP to say you need lung function tests. At that point they decided low asthma but inhalers never helped. In the end my GP kept saying I don’t think it’s asthma.

When it got to the point I could not walk more than 12 steps without my breathing and chest hurting I was referred. I have FEV 0f 60% which is copd lungs. It took 2yeRs to get to this point.

So my answer is get it checked and keep battling if it gets worse but get checked re asthma and allergies too. I am much more sensitive to smells and medication since I got RA.

[Seashoreshanty]

i have seronegative inflammatory arthritis.

i have Broncheactisis which is scarring on the lung. I have asthma too. I always get a chest infection after a cold. I am monitored by doctors. I have recently been on three weeks of antibiotics. Does RA affect bronchial problems!?

[ks1966]

Hello. It was my lungs that led to my RA diagnosis. I had a productive cough for a while and was told I have bronchiectasis, a widening of the lung airways. RA is a soft tissue disease that affects both organs and limbs. But what you’re describing is nowhere near my situation. It seems that you’re allergic to something. Good luck

[Jackie1947]

No harm in mentioning it and get checked

[bosun65]

Yes you should see your GP or Rheumatoligist. I have intistitial lung disease (scarring of the lungs) caused br RA and aggravated by Etanercept.

Have been taken off Etanercept and will start Rituximab shortly. I also now take Nintedanib to slow or stop the lung scarring as it cannot be cured.

It's not easy living with RA is it!!!!!

[Seashoreshanty]

thankyou all 👍