Question
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and was told that my lungs are effected. I was told that my lungs had a lot of scar tissue in them. I forgot what medical term was used for this. I was told that they had to control my arthritis so that my lungs dont get so bad that I wont be able to get enough air in them. I have looked all over the internet that I can think of to find information about the lungs concerning this and cant find anything more than that it can affect the heart and lungs, inside and out. Can you tell me how I can get information on this.
Answer
The inflammation in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can also affect the lungs causing scar tissue called fibrosis. Many patients with RA have evidence of fibrosis on chest x-ray, but very few have trouble breathing. If you have significant lung fibrosis, you should be seen by a pulmonary specialist (lung doctor). Because this is rare complication of RA, you will not find a lot written about it.
