Breathing or lung issues and RA
Does anyone have any experience with breathing or lung issues and RA?
while you wait for others to share their experiences, I thought you may find this article informative on the more common lung diseases associated with RA https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/medical-conditions-occurring-along-with-ra/lung-diseases. If you are currently experiencing breathing issues, I would encourage you to reach out to your doctor, if you haven't already. Hoping you are well. All my best, Julie (team member) 
I have not. But it is a real thing. Here is a nice recent and overarching paper about these issues......................... rick
https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/58/11/2031/5489339?login=trueAnyone who has a lung issue should see a board certified pulmonologist. One should not assume it's related to RA.
I have COPD and asthma. Sometimes they SEEM to be worse than before.......but the reality is that I'm getting older and so are my lungs. 😀I understand the need for a referral. My statement was really directed at a comment that suggested one ask the doctor if s/he thought a specialist was needed (as if one was questioning whether the family doctor felt the lung problem was bad enough....) . I would make sure I got that referral. Lungs are nothing to mess with. 
, I hope you can get a quick referral (if you're needing one right now)! I know from personal experience that those wait times for appointments with specialists (even with a doctor's referral) can be significant. Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
Hi Kevin,
I've had nodules detected and I've done a two bronchoscopies and the pulmonary doctor can still not figure it out. I had a follow-up CT scan this morning and should have a better answer for you this Friday 😉
But I would definitely recommend seeing a pulmonologist. Take care, SharonHi Erin, good news! Although there is one new nodule, my pulmonologist recommended another CT scan in 6 months, as there has been no major changes and my condition has not worsened or impactful. At the same time of the scan, I was experiencing a flare so I also asked my rheumatologist to look at the scan. And I suggested it might be RA related and he concurred due to the timing. As with most of you, just in a wait and see mode. Thank you for your support here all of you! Take care, Sharon , that's a pretty good update! Yay! While I wish you weren't flaring, I am glad the rheumatologist was able to see a possible connection between your lung issues and your RA. Thanks for the update and I hope the next scan in six months is good as well. Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
