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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 Having RA Affect Your Breathing?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Chiefland, FL

It’s because everytime i have my coughing fits it makes my throat hurt alot and it swells up alot and its been hard for me to talk.

January 6
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A myRAteam Member

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can indeed affect breathing. RA-related lung issues, such as interstitial lung disease (ILD), can cause scarring in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath and a persistent dry cough. Additionally, airway inflammation or nodules can worsen symptoms. If your throat is swelling and it's hard to Show Full Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can indeed affect breathing. RA-related lung issues, such as interstitial lung disease (ILD), can cause scarring in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath and a persistent dry cough. Additionally, airway inflammation or nodules can worsen symptoms. If your throat is swelling and it's hard to talk, it could be related to inflammation or another issue. Please consult your doctor promptly to address these symptoms.

January 6
A myRAteam Member

I went through a 2-year period of one after another upper respiratory infections that turned into uncontrollable fits of coughing that left me breathless. Started after a bout with pneumonia. Could not sleep lying down. Propped myself up on one of those back support reading cushions for beds. Eventually coughed myself into an umbilical hernia and surgery.
Might have been an allergy to some pollen in Massachusetts where we were living. When we moved back to Canada, coughing and respiratory infections stopped. Hasn't returned in 5 years now. Hallelujah.

January 8
A myRAteam Member

My lungs have always been a weak area for me. Having RA has added to that by adding shortness of breath and cough that sometimes is dry and other times lots of phlegm.
Recently I pulled a muscle, from coughing...that is really a witch!
I have found that massaging in Arnicare taking Musinex and the triple threat of 1 Gabapentan, 1 Motrin and 2 sleep gummies helps alot. Oh, and I am currently sleeping sitting up!
This crazy disease is such fun...lol!

January 8 (edited)

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