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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

lungs and joint clicking

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Maplewood, MN

I have had chest pain but more generalized...like I can't breathe. Had a heart stress test and all was okay. Now for about a week, I am also experiencing clicking in my wrists, tmj and knee. Am new to all of this and searching for answers. Does pleurisy cause the lung issue?

April 2, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone experiencing unexplained chest pain and joint clicking, with many strongly recommending a pulmonologist visit... Read more

Members rallied around someone experiencing unexplained chest pain and joint clicking, with many strongly recommending a pulmonologist visit since RA can affect the lungs in serious ways including nodules, pleurisy, and inflammation of the vocal cord joints that create choking sensations or breathing difficulty. Several members shared their own lung and throat struggles, describing feelings of being 'half a lung short,' constant throat clearing, chondritis, and the frustration of being told test results look normal despite persistent symptoms. A recurring theme was the importance of self-advocacy and persistence with doctors, trusting your own body when something feels wrong, and not settling for dismissive responses until you find answers that fit your lived experience.

A myRAteam Member

Oh boy .. the lungs! If RA is affecting your lungs, you need to see a pulmonologist. Sometimes nodules form inside. Also, we have a joint in our vocal chords that can be affected by RA. It can create all kinds of havoc with your breathing/eating/speech. When mine acts up, I feel like someone is choking me. It can also cause bronchial spasms (including lungs). There are other things as well ... but a pulmonologist is really the one who will have your answers. Feel better. =^^=

April 9, 2016
A myRAteam Member

@ Asides, I have changed internists and rheumetologists. Saw a pulmonologist and my lungs 'are fine' for my age. I know there is something going on but even Mayo docs blew me off. I just learned that a long ago friend had passed away from interstitial lung disease, a complication of her Sjogrens. This new information has empowered me to push even further with my docs. I have the trifecta of RA, Hashimotos and Sjogrens. I think we become more experts than the experts sometimes. I hope your chondritis is less and less of an issue for you. Hugs.

September 19, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Plurisy is a lung issue. I would highly recommend contacting your doctor to determine what actually is going on. Breathing/lung problems are not something to fool around with.

April 3, 2016
A myRAteam Member

I was told mine is chondritis, it comes and goes mostly on the weeks when I'm really worn down. Muscle relaxers at least seem to help. I saw a pulmonologist and I said my lungs were perfectly fine and all the x-rays were clear no lung trouble at all.

September 2, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Thanks @A myRAteam Member I've learned to work around it at this point. It only bothers me when I exercise.

September 20, 2017

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