Have developed Asthma since being diagnosed with RA about 10 years ago. I had 4 critical ICU stays in 2 years a few years back. I had near respiratory failure and near intubation (I refused). I was bipap treated instead and each time spent 5 days quite ill in ICU. I am on a maintanence antibiotic for 2 and a half years now (Zithromax 250mg. M-W-F) to prevent pneumonia's and other respiratory infections. When you take a biologic med, the immunosuppression leaves you so vulnerable for bacterial or viral infections. The lungs are usually the first organ to be affected with RA after the joints and eyes.

In the morning, I sound like I've smoked for twenty years (not a smoker). I have to clear my throat constantly if I go without talking and I'm not exactly someone who talks much to begin with. During this pandemic I get nervous doing it because I don't want other people to think I may have COVID.

Lung issues can be complicated is it asthma or bronchitis or even covid? It could be pluresy or just a allergy to one of your meds. I have asthma and every winter I get bronchitis usually I take prednisone for breathing issues but sometimes it also needs azythromycin, also on albuterol as needed, it just depends on what is causing the issue at the moment.

Just had a visit with pulmonary dr for shortness of breath. I am pretty old so aging is part of it, and combination of ra, medications and cpd. I inject humera twice a month. Thank God , oxygen levels were good. There are meds I could take but don’t want to do that . Many prayers to you and try to stay positive

I have difficulty in breathing. I do know when I was taking methotrexate I had difficulty breathing. I now only take 50 mg Enbrel. I know I stress easily, and tightens my chest where it makes it difficult to breathe. How ever when researching (RA) usually affects the joints, but it can also have an impact on a person's lungs. In the lungs, RA can cause scarring, inflammation, and lung nodules.