Lupus and Lung Complications Is Common

According to the Johns Hopkins Lupus Center, about 50% of people with Lupus will experience lung issues during the course of their disease.  Lupus Now explains the connection between Lupus and lungs.  Although the underlying connective tissue disease is the root cause of lupus-related lung problems, the exact mechanism can be different for each of the most common conditions.  The most common is pleurisy (inflammation of a membrane on the outside of the lungs and inside of the chest cavity), which causes a fluid buildup and pain. Sometimes the lung tissue itself is involved.  Blood clots in the lungs present another possible complication.  High blood pressure in the lungs' blood vessels can be present.  The good news is that diagnosing these potentially life-threatening conditions is usually straightforward, and treatment is successful in most conditions, especially if caught early.  The two common symptoms are shortness of breath and pain with breathing.  Each lung condition has its own symptoms and diagnostic methods.  Treatment focuses on both the underlying lupus and the specific lung problem.  Your lupus doctor and your pulmonologist are equipped to manage these issues to keep you healthy! 

Source:  Lupus Now

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