Do you experience chest pain and difficulty breathing with RA?
Yes, chest pain and breathing difficulties can occur with rheumatoid arthritis. These symptoms should always be discussed with your doctor immediately, especially if they're new or persistent.
Common causes in RA include:
- Costochondritis: Inflammation where Show Full Answer
Do you experience chest pain and difficulty breathing with RA?
Yes, chest pain and breathing difficulties can occur with rheumatoid arthritis. These symptoms should always be discussed with your doctor immediately, especially if they're new or persistent.
Common causes in RA include:
- Costochondritis: Inflammation where the ribs connect to cartilage at the sternum or back, causing chest pain
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD): Affects 4-10% of people with RA, causing inflammation and scarring in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath and dry cough
- Pleural inflammation: Swelling in the area surrounding the lungs
- Airway blockage: Inflammation in small airways that can worsen breathing
What you should do:
Bring up any chest pain or breathing difficulties with your doctor right away. There's a range of possible causes, some more serious than others, so getting evaluated is important to rule out serious conditions.
A myRAteam member shared: "I can't do simple stretches and it's hard to breathe and sleep." These symptoms can be serious complications that need medical attention.
Your doctor may order chest X-rays, CT scans, or breathing tests to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
December 28, 2025
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