Lung Problems and Lupus Sufferers

According to the Johns Hopkins Lupus Center, 50% of people with lupus will experience lung issues during the course of their disease. Although, the underlying connective tissue disease is the root cause of lupus-related lung problems, the exact mechanism differs for each of the most common conditions:

• pleuritis (pleurisy)--inflammation and fluid buildup between the lungs and chest wall, causing pain
• pneumonitis--inflammation of the lung tissue itself caused by an infection
• pulmonary emboli (blood clots)
• other kinds of problems having to do with the blood pressure of lung vessels

The two most common symptoms are shortness of breath and pain with breathing.  Treatment centers around the specific lung problem.

More information is available at:  www.lupus.org

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., 
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309 (map)