Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause damage to lung tissue that vysvetleni fibrosis. In this state, grows connective tissue and appear scarring.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes chronic pain in the joints. RA can also affect other organs such as the lungs, causing serious breathing problems.
The risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis is higher in people who:
- Smoke
- Often come into contact with pollution
- Have a family history of pulmonary fibrosis
- Regularly take anti-inflammatory drugs
Doctors still do not fully understand the connection between RA and pulmonary fibrosis, but the data indicate that 40% of people with RA include pulmonary fibrosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis vary in type and severity and can come and go. When the disease is active, it is called flash. During this outbreak, the symptoms can vary in duration and intensity.
Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Numbness and stiffness of the muscles and joints in the body in the morning, which lasts 30 minutes or longer
- Sensitivity, pain or swelling in joints, lasts 6 weeks or longer
- Symmetrical joint pain
- Pain in the small joints, for example in the hands, wrists and feet
When RA causes problems with the lungs, people may experience the following symptoms:
- Inconsistent breath
- Dry persistent cough
- Frequent feeling of fatigue
- Sudden unexplained weight loss
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary fibrosis
As a rule, pulmonary fibrosis and related lung problems occur in people who live with RA for several years. This means that in most cases, at the time of diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis and the doctors have already diagnosed the patient with RA.
However, a study published in the journal European Respiratory Review, showed that 10-20 percent of people were observed for symptoms of respiratory problems before they have developed the typical symptoms of RA.
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
To diagnose RA, a doctor will need to know the history of human disease, to conduct a complete physical examination and to appoint a series of shots and blood tests.
This survey will reveal:
- Swollen joints
- The degree of pain that a person experiences
- The presence of antibodies in the blood called rheumatoid factor
- Bone and joint anomalies
Common tests for the diagnosis of RA include:
- The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): a test measuring how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of the tube. Analysis of ESR indicates the presence of inflammatory conditions, which include RA, but alone can not diagnose the disease.
- Analysis of C-reactive protein (CRP): a test that shows the level of C-reactive protein in the blood. Higher levels of CRP in the blood can indicate inflammation or infection in the body.
- Full blood count: a test to check for anemia. The 2017 study published in World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, showed that 60% of Sudanese people with RA who participated in the study, were also found anemia.
Diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis
The doctor will perform one or more of the following tests to diagnose pulmonary fibrosis:
- Pulse oximetry
- Pulmonary function test
- Chest x-ray or CT scan
- Biopsy of the lung tissue
- Arterial blood gases
These surveys show whether there is inflammation or damage in the lung tissue. They also measure levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide and air in the lungs.
Complications of RA and pulmonary fibrosis
Complications associated with RA and pulmonary fibrosis can be life-threatening, if not to begin urgent treatment.
Complications include:
- Pulmonary hypertension, which is a high blood pressure in the lungs
- Pleural effusion which is an accumulation of fluid between the lungs, chest wall
- A collapsed lung
- Respiratory failure
- Interstitial pneumonia
When you need to go to the doctor
According to the National rheumatoid arthritis society USA, people should consult a doctor if they experience lung problems more than 1 month. Also make an appointment to the doctor is necessary if you experience sudden, but regular severe dyspnea while performing everyday tasks.
The doctor will assess the extent of the problem and may refer you to a specialist called a rheumatologist, if necessary.
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary fibrosis
And RA and pulmonary fibrosis cannot be cured completely, so treatment aims to eliminate symptoms and decrease disease progression.
Medications and therapies related to pulmonary fibrosis caused by RA may include:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants
- Oxygen therapy to ease breathing
- Pulmonary rehabilitation therapy
- Of lifestyle changes such as quitting Smoking and increasing physical activity to strengthen the lungs
In conclusion
RA is associated with pulmonary fibrosis in different people manifests itself in different ways. Some people experience a worsening of symptoms for several months, while in other cases the progression of the disease may take several years. Differences in progression may be caused by factors such as age, genetics and lifestyle, which play a role in the development of both diseases.
According to a study presented in Clinical Medical Insights: Circulatory, Respiratory and Pulmonary Medicine, the average life expectancy of a person with pulmonary fibrosis is from 2.5 to 5 years, although these are only estimates obtained from large-scale studies of the population.
If a person has RA and have problems with light as soon as possible to talk to your doctor about the nature and frequency of symptoms. Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment improved as the treatment of symptoms and quality of life in the long term.