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Rheumatoid lung diseaseDefinition Rheumatoid lung disease is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and includes pleural effusions, pulmonary fibrosis, lung nodules, and pulmonary hypertension. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Pulmonary abnormalities are common in rheumatoid arthritis, but they often cause no symptoms. The causes of lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis are unknown. Sometimes the medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis may result in lung disease. Symptoms
Signs and tests Crackles may be heard when listening to the lungs with a stethoscope (auscultation). Alternatively, there may be decreased breath sounds, a "rub," or normal breath sounds.
Treatment Many people have no symptoms. Therefore, treatment is aimed at the underlying disorder and for specific complications resulting from this disorder. Corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapy are sometimes useful. Expectations (prognosis) The outcome is related to the underlying disorder and the type and severity of lung disease. Complications Calling your health care provider Call your health care provider PROMPTLY if you have rheumatoid arthritis and unexplained breathing difficulties occur. Illustrations
Page Content: Lung disease - rheumatoid arthritis ; rheumatoid arthritis and lung disease |
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