Question: Hello,

I am a 33 year old non-smoking, very physically fit male. Aside from the health condition described below, I am very healthy.

I have been diagnosed with undifferentiated spondyloarthritis, as I have symptoms similar to ankylosing spondylitis but do not meet the full criteria for this diagnosis (I am HLA B27 negative). The only symptoms I have are recurring bouts of significant and at times crippling buttocks and sacroilac joint pain. However, I am essentially pain-free with daily, low dose naproxen and a healthy diet. I have had this condition for 5 years. However, it has only been well-managed for about 2 years.

My question is this: I have read that pulmonary fibrosis is a complication of ankylosing spondylitis, and I am concerned that I have allowed my lungs to become damaged by not receiving treatment early in the course of my disease. Is pulmonary fibrosis something that I should be concerned about, given that I have had active disease for 5-6 years?

Hello,

I am a 33 year old non-smoking, very physically fit male. Aside from the health condition described below, I am very healthy.

I have been diagnosed with undifferentiated spondyloarthritis, as I have symptoms similar to ankylosing spondylitis but do not meet the full criteria for this diagnosis (I am HLA B27 negative). The only symptoms I have are recurring bouts of significant and at times crippling buttocks and sacroilac joint pain. However, I am essentially pain-free with daily, low dose naproxen and a healthy diet. I have had this condition for 5 years. However, it has only been well-managed for about 2 years.

My question is this: I have read that pulmonary fibrosis is a complication of ankylosing spondylitis, and I am concerned that I have allowed my lungs to become damaged by not receiving treatment early in the course of my disease. Is pulmonary fibrosis something that I should be concerned about, given that I have had active disease for 5-6 years?

Ok, that's good to know. Is it safe to assume that this complication arises late in the course of the disease? And I have no lung symptoms that I'm aware of, aside from well-managed asthma.

Ok, that's good to know. Is it safe to assume that this complication arises late in the course of the disease? And I have no lung symptoms that I'm aware of, aside from well-managed asthma.

Ok. So, at this juncture and given my age, this shouldn't be a concern of mine?

Ok. So, at this juncture and given my age, this shouldn't be a concern of mine?

Ok. Thanks for your help doctor.

Ok. Thanks for your help doctor.