Rheumatoid lung disorder is a set of lung conditions associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition which results in chronic joints inflammation. Rheumatoid lung disease may include conditions such as respiratory infections, accumulation of fluid in the chest (pleural effusions), nodules (often benigns), hypertension in lungs and pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring).
It is also noted that certain rheumatoid patients may be affected with lung cancer as well. Generally, this disease shows very less symptoms. There is no particular reason for this condition related with rheumatoid arthritis, but experts say that medicines used in curing latter can result in the former condition.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Lung Disease:
Symptoms related with rheumatoid lung disease that occur in addition to arthritic symptoms of skin nodules, joint stiffness, joint swelling and joint pain include:
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Crackle sounds while listening to lungs using stethoscope (but decrease in breath sounds or normal sounds of breath are also possible)
Diagnosis for Rheumatoid Lung Disease:
Rheumatoid lung may be diagnosed through several laboratory tests such as CT Scan, X-ray, etc. In some cases, echo cardiogram is also performed for detecting the blood pressure variation in the lungs. Bronchioscopic is an open lung surgery is also done by some medical professionals. In this procedure, a small part of the lung tissue is taken through surgery and checked for any lung disorder, cancer or infection.
Thoracentesis is also done for removing the accumulated fluid in the chest. A needle is inserted in the space between the upper layer of the lungs and chest wall. This is performed for detecting the cause of fluid accumulation or to give relief to the patient. If you undergo some regular checkups with a stethoscope also, the doctor may detect the crackling sounds in chest.
Treatments for Rheumatoid Lung Disease:
Mainly, the treatment focuses on detecting the underlying cause and that the complications which arise from that disorder. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapies are helpful in treating some cases.
Often, rheumatoid arthritis affects women whereas rheumatoid lung disease is found commonly in women. Nearly, 30 – 40% of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may suffer from abnormalities of lung functioning. Besides, rheumatoid arthritis, smoking also plays vital role in worsening the condition.
