The Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lung Problems

(Newswire.net — November 14, 2016) Orlando, FL — Arthritis is widely known to cause a variety of symptoms, including pain and swelling. However, there are other complications associated with this condition.

Experts reveal the link between arthritis and lung problems. While arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) commonly effect the joints, it may also affect lung health. There are even cases when problems in the lungs surface even before the occurrence of joint pain and inflammation.

Arthritis has long been the cause of immobility and suffering among many people from around the world. This condition causes pain almost every day, depending on the severity of the condition.

There are even many individuals who use pharmaceutical drugs that are formulated to ease pain and reduce inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these pain medications are believed to cause side effects.

It is typically male individuals who are in their 50’s and 60’s who suffer from more active rheumatoid arthritis. Those with history of smoking are believed to be more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis-related lung disease.

There are lung problems typically linked with RA, and one is scarring. Scarring within the lungs is related to long-term inflammation, otherwise known as interstitial lung disease. It may cause chronic dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weakness.

Arthritis sufferers may also develop lung nodules, which are small lumps otherwise known as rheumatoid nodules. These lumps can also form in other parts of the body, aside from the lungs. Lung nodules do not normally cause signs or symptoms and don’t increase the risk of lung cancer. Unfortunately, this nodule may result in rupture and collapse in the lungs.

Another lung problem is pleural disease, which is characterized by pleura. Pleura takes place when the tissue surrounding the lungs become inflamed. There are individuals who do not just suffer from pleural inflammation but also by fluid buildup between the two layers of the pleura.

There are times when pleural effusion goes away on its own. However, in cases of large pleural effusion, sufferers often experience shortness of breath. It may also cause fever as well as pain in breathing.

Individuals who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis who smoke may want to see their healthcare provider and discuss the possibility of lung problems. There are treatments that work by removing fluid from the lungs and there are also those that directly target rheumatoid arthritis.

While pain medications are popular, there are those who utilize safer alternatives such as glucosamine. Glucosamine supplements are believed to be safer to use than many pharmaceutical drugs.

Glucosamine is widely believed to help repair cartilage damage and may even improve overall joint health.

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