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Suggest Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis And Exertional Dyspnea
I am 63. I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 20 years. I am on Cimzia, methotrexate, Plaquenil, Mobic, Protonix, Lyrica, Tizanidine, Linzess. For the past 9 months, I have had exertional dyspnea. 3 weeks ago I had a 6 minute walking test, at the end of which my O2 sat was 79. My workup has been negative except for persistent desats with simple walking in my house and possibly sleep apnea. Today I was told by my family dr that I have early rheumatoid lung and was already scheduled to see my rheumatologist in a week. If this is correct, what is the average life expectancy after diagnosis?
Fri, 27 Jan 2023
Hello,
Exertional dyspnea or shortness of breath is seen in conditions like heart failure, coronary artery disease, lung pathology like interstitial fibrosis, COPD, pneumonia, psychogenic causes, acute renal failure, anemia, and metabolic acidosis.
Rheumatoid lung disease is also one of the causes of exertional breathlessness. It can be diagnosed using CT scan of both lungs. Early lung pathology can be dealt with medications to prevent or halt the progression of lung disease. Life expectancy is not decreased due to rheumatoid lung disease. Only quality of life may be affected.
Please do consult your rheumatologist for further evaluation.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
Exertional dyspnea or shortness of breath is seen in conditions like heart failure, coronary artery disease, lung pathology like interstitial fibrosis, COPD, pneumonia, psychogenic causes, acute renal failure, anemia, and metabolic acidosis.
Rheumatoid lung disease is also one of the causes of exertional breathlessness. It can be diagnosed using CT scan of both lungs. Early lung pathology can be dealt with medications to prevent or halt the progression of lung disease. Life expectancy is not decreased due to rheumatoid lung disease. Only quality of life may be affected.
Please do consult your rheumatologist for further evaluation.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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