Rheumatoid lung disease

Rheumatoid lung disease is a disease that occurs in people with rheumatoid arthritis. It is characterized by inflammation and scarring in the lungs, which can lead to respiratory failure.

Symptoms

The symptoms of rheumatoid lung disease can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience severe respiratory problems. Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough
• Chest pain
• Fatigue

Causes

Rheumatoid lung disease is caused by the same autoimmune process that causes rheumatoid arthritis. In people with this disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation and scarring.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of rheumatoid lung disease typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as chest X-ray or CT scan. In some cases, a lung biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for rheumatoid lung disease is primarily focused on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. This may involve medications to reduce inflammation, oxygen therapy to help with breathing, and in severe cases, lung transplantation.

Prognosis

The prognosis for people with rheumatoid lung disease can vary greatly depending on the severity of the disease and the individual's overall health. In general, the disease tends to progress slowly and can be managed with appropriate treatment.

See also

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Lung diseases

References

Rheumatoid lung disease Resources
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