Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
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.

Does RA cause "Chronic Coarsening of the Pulmonary Interstitium"?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Roseburg, OR

That verbage turned up on my last chest x-ray yesterday.

March 6
 · 
Reactions
A myRAteam Member

You might want to bring that question to your general practitioner, RA specialist or cardiologist if you are seeing someone.

March 7 (edited)
myRAteam

Does RA cause chronic coarsening of the pulmonary interstitium?

Yes, RA can cause changes in the lung tissue that might show up as "chronic coarsening of the pulmonary interstitium" on imaging. This terminology suggests changes to the tissue between the air sacs in your lungs.

RA can lead to interstitial lung disease Show Full Answer

Does RA cause chronic coarsening of the pulmonary interstitium?

Yes, RA can cause changes in the lung tissue that might show up as "chronic coarsening of the pulmonary interstitium" on imaging. This terminology suggests changes to the tissue between the air sacs in your lungs.

RA can lead to interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD), where inflammation causes scarring and thickening of the lung tissue. This happens when the same autoimmune process affecting your joints also attacks lung tissue. About 4-10% of people with RA develop ILD.

What this means:

In RA-ILD, the walls of the small air sacs in your lungs become scarred and thickened, making it harder for oxygen to pass through. This can lead to:

- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough that doesn't go away
- Fatigue and weakness
- Difficulty breathing

Important next steps:

It's crucial to discuss these findings with your rheumatologist or pulmonologist. They may recommend additional testing like high-resolution CT scans or pulmonary function tests to better understand what's happening in your lungs.

Treatment typically involves managing your RA with medications like corticosteroids, DMARDs, or biologics. Some RA medications can also help with lung involvement, though certain medications like methotrexate may need to be avoided if you have existing lung disease.

If you smoke, stopping immediately is strongly recommended as smoking significantly worsens lung complications in RA.

March 6
A myRAteam Member

I don’t but that is next on my list.

March 8
A myRAteam Member

Esther, I see a pulmonologist every 6 months. They really stay on top of your lung health and especially with RA. If you don't have one it might not hurt to have a consult with them.

March 8
A myRAteam Member

Thanks for that information because I have asthma and I be short of breath just by walking for no reason. I'm get a appointment with my pulmonologist to make sure my lung function has not changed.

March 8

Related Questions

View All

Can rheumatoid give you chronic pain and stiffness in chest

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Mandeville, LA
June 10

Does RA cause itchiness of the skin?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Cedar Lake, IN
July 6

what causes nodules in the lungs?

A myRAteam Subscriber asked a question 💭
November 11, 2025

What Caroline Wozniacki's RA Diagnosis Does for the Rest of Us
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Does RA Affect the Eyes?
Vasculitis: The Risks of RA Inflammation