Understanding pulmonary complications of rheumatoid arthritis: a patient and rheumatologist perspective

Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) show evidence of interstitial lung disease (often called RA-interstitial lung disease ILD). Risk factors for the development of RA-ILD include older age, male sex, a history of smoking and active joint disease. If the amount of ILD remains small, it may not have a significant impact on a patient's life. However, RA-ILD often worsens over time and causes symptoms such as breathlessness, cough and fatigue. RA-ILD should be closely monitored, including regular pulmonary function tests. Antifibrotic therapies slow the loss of lung function, but may cause side effects. Overall control of inflammation is important. Techniques are available to help manage breathlessness. This article provides information to help patients with RA-ILD understand and manage their disease.