Autoimmune lung disease: Early recognition and treatment helps

A man who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) five years ago sees his rheumatologist for a follow-up visit. Fortunately, his arthritis is well controlled through medication. He can walk and do all his daily activities without pain. But over the past six months, he’s been feeling short of breath when climbing stairs. He has an annoying dry cough, too. COVID-19? That’s ruled out quickly. But a CT scan of his chest reveals early fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs, most likely related to rheumatoid arthritis. “I can finally walk normally, and now I can’t breathe when I walk!” says the frustrated patient, whose next step is a full evaluation by a pulmonologist. What is autoimmune lung disease? This man’s experience offers one example of an uncommon but potentially life-altering complication associated with rheumatic or autoimmune diseases, including: rheumatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), a fibrosing disorder that typically affects the skin dermatomyositis, which results in inflammation in muscles and skin systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), an inflammatory condition that can affect many parts of the body, including joints, kidneys, and skin. There are various terms for this complication: autoimmune lung disease, interstitial lung disease, and interstitial fibrosis. Characterized by lung inflammation and/or scarring, it is one of many potential complications affecting different ...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Arthritis Autoimmune diseases Health Inflammation Lung disease Source Type: blogs