Can rheumatoid arthritis cause shortness of breath? If you’ve ever worked in rheumatology—or lived with RA yourself—you’ve probably heard this question more than once. As a nurse practitioner in the field, I’ve had countless patients bring this up, usually after a flare-up or a bout of unexplained fatigue. It’s not something we always associate with…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily targets the joints, but its impact extends far beyond the joints. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how RA can affect a person’s quality of life in ways that go beyond just pain and stiffness. One area that often gets overlooked is how…
If you’ve ever wondered how does rheumatoid arthritis affect the lungs, you’re not alone—and as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had more conversations about this than I can count. Many patients are shocked when I first bring it up. “Wait, RA can affect my lungs too?” Yep, it sure can. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t just…
Hey there! If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you love is dealing with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and you’re wondering, “Wait, what does RA have to do with my lungs?” I get it—when people think of RA, they picture achy joints, swollen fingers, and stiffness, but very few realize that it can also…