Rheumatoid arthritis can cause pulmonary fibrosis. Let's take a look at the harmful effects of rheumatoid arthritis.

When people suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, the harm that this disease may cause to them is actually worth thinking about, and pulmonary fibrosis is the most common condition. So, what are the dangers of rheumatoid arthritis?

(1) Pleurisy or pleural effusion

Pleurisy may occur before or at the same time as arthritis. The amount of pleural effusion is generally not large, and there are usually no obvious clinical symptoms. However, in some cases, when the amount of pleural effusion is large, it may cause chest pain, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

(2) Progressive necrotic nodules in the lungs

Chest X-ray examination shows that the nodules are mostly located in the outer zone of the lungs, so they are often asymptomatic. Nodules vary in size and can be multiple or single. Huge nodules can form cavities, and when they corrode the trachea to the pleura, they can cause coughing, hemoptysis, or pleural effusion.

(3) Pneumoconiosis

It was first seen in coal miners with rheumatoid arthritis. Lung films show multiple nodules of varying sizes that may fuse to form cavities or calcifications.

(4) Chronic interstitial pneumonia or interstitial pulmonary fibrosis

Patients may experience progressively worsening dyspnea, shortness of breath, cyanosis, an irritating cough, and clubbing of the fingers and toes.