Are you experiencing pulmonary fibrosis related to your rheumatoid arthritis?
You're not alone in dealing with this scary complication. About 4 to 10 percent of people with RA develop interstitial lung disease (ILD), which includes pulmonary fibrosis. This typically appears in people between ages 50 and 60.
What happens Show Full Answer
Are you experiencing pulmonary fibrosis related to your rheumatoid arthritis?
You're not alone in dealing with this scary complication. About 4 to 10 percent of people with RA develop interstitial lung disease (ILD), which includes pulmonary fibrosis. This typically appears in people between ages 50 and 60.
What happens is that the same autoimmune process causing inflammation in your joints also attacks your lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue. This scarring makes the walls of the air sacs in your lungs thicker, which makes it harder for oxygen to reach your bloodstream.
Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Dry, unproductive cough
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
Environmental factors like smoking or exposure to asbestos or dust can increase the risk of developing ILD with RA. Treatment options are available
The good news is that many of the same medications used to treat your RA can also help with lung complications:
- Corticosteroids to calm immune system activity
- DMARDs like methotrexate
- TNF inhibitors and other biologics
- Immunosuppressants
- Oxygen therapy when needed
Regular monitoring with your doctor is crucial. Some RA medications can have lung-related side effects, so your treatment plan may need adjustments if you notice breathing symptoms.
It's understandable to feel scared. Connecting with others who understand what you're going through can really help. Many myRAteam members share similar experiences with lung complications from RA.
November 13, 2025
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