Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
04:50
Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
Lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis
Elisabeth Bendstrup1,2, Philippe Dieude3, Michael Kreuter4,5
1Center for Rare Lung Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. kabend@rm.dk.
Nature Reviews. Rheumatology
|June 18, 2026
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients frequently experience lung issues like interstitial lung disease (ILD), increasing mortality. Early screening and targeted treatments are crucial for managing these pulmonary manifestations in RA.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting joints and causing systemic inflammation.
- Pulmonary involvement is a significant extra-articular manifestation of RA, contributing to reduced survival.
- Tobacco smoking is a key risk factor for RA and associated lung conditions like interstitial lung disease (ILD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of lung involvement in rheumatoid arthritis.
- To discuss diagnostic challenges and current management strategies for RA-associated pulmonary diseases.
- To highlight the need for improved treatments and recognition of lung conditions in RA patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing current evidence on RA-associated lung disease.
- Analysis of risk factors, diagnostic approaches (including high-resolution CT), and treatment options.
- Discussion of pathophysiology, morbidity, and mortality associated with pulmonary manifestations in RA.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary manifestations, including ILD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and bronchiolitis, affect a substantial proportion of RA patients.
- Screening for pulmonary disease, especially ILD, is increasingly emphasized based on risk factors like smoking and antibody status.
- Evidence-based treatments for RA-associated ILD are limited, though management guidelines exist for comorbid COPD and bronchiectasis.
Conclusions:
- Lung involvement significantly impacts morbidity and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Early screening and recognition of pulmonary conditions are vital for optimizing outcomes in RA.
- Further research and development of targeted therapies are needed for RA-associated lung diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
01:20Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management
AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...