Rheumatoid arthritis combined with "pulmonary fibrosis" has a lower survival rate than cancer! Medical advice: High-risk groups arrange "this examination" as soon as possible
Don’t think that “rheumatoid arthritis” is only related to joint symptoms! There is also a very high chance of causing serious complications, and the survival period may even be lower than that of cancer. Lin Lianghong, Director of Rheumatology and Immunology at Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, said that among the complications of rheumatoid arthritis, “pulmonary fibrosis” affects patients the most. In the past, because patients ignored the importance of regular lung function testing, the survival rate of patients after diagnosis was often poor. As ideal as possible.
Up to 40% of patients with pulmonary fibrosis may be life-threatening if it progresses to the mid-to-late stage
Director Lin Lianghong explained that rheumatoid arthritis can easily cause a variety of extra-articular complications and affect multiple organs throughout the body. Common complications include scleritis, thyroiditis, Sjogren’s disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and pulmonary hypertension. etc. Among them, “rheumatoid arthritis combined with pulmonary fibrosis” is regarded as one of the most difficult and difficult-to-treat complications.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and irreversible lung disease that causes lung tissue to thicken and harden, ultimately affecting the lungs’ gas exchange function. Director Lin Lianghong said that about 30-40% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis may develop pulmonary complications, and 10-20% of patients have pulmonary symptoms that appear earlier than joint problems. According to research, the five-year survival rate of pulmonary fibrosis caused by rheumatoid arthritis is less than 40%. Due to its irreversibility and the limitations of existing treatments, the survival period and quality of life of patients are severely tested.
Director Lin Lianghong pointed out that the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis usually include long-term breathlessness, coughing and fatigue, which are easily confused with other respiratory diseases and are often ignored by patients, resulting in the disease not being detected and treated in time. Director Lin Lianghong warned that once pulmonary fibrosis progresses to the mid-to-late stage, the patient’s lung function will decline significantly, and the patient may eventually need to rely on a respirator to maintain life. In the past, there were cases where cough symptoms were mistakenly thought to be a cold and they did not seek medical treatment in time, and even sought folk remedies during the period. Later, they were rushed to the doctor due to sudden fainting, and only after examination it was discovered that pulmonary fibrosis had progressed to the mid-to-late stage, even if timely medication was given, It is difficult to achieve optimal results.
Further reading: Cough and difficulty breathing, beware of pulmonary fibrosis! If you have this kind of “autoimmune disease”, you need to check it out early
How to diagnose pulmonary fibrosis early? Patients should arrange “pulmonary function test” as soon as possible
Pulmonary fibrosis is highly fatal and progresses rapidly, so early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial. Testing methods commonly used to diagnose pulmonary fibrosis include chest X-ray, pulmonary function test and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Among them, pulmonary function test is an important indicator that can initially assess lung health, and compared with Other tests are easier to perform.
Director Lin Lianghong emphasized that when patients with rheumatoid arthritis and high-risk groups have minor symptoms in the early stages, they should be followed up regularly every 3-6 months. Patients who have not yet received examinations should take the initiative to discuss with the attending physician. Get your first lung function test done as soon as possible to detect potential lung problems early. If the test results are abnormal, HRCT can be used to more accurately observe subtle changes in the lungs so that appropriate treatment can be given as early as possible.
Early intervention with anti-pulmonary fibrosis drugs delays disease progression
Director Lin Lianghong pointed out that for patients who have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, there are currently anti-pulmonary fibrosis drugs covered by health insurance, which can effectively delay the progression of the disease and thus prevent the further development of pulmonary fibrosis. If the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis are detected early, the patient can There is an opportunity to help the patient’s lung function return to a level close to normal and help the patient return to a normal life.
Director Lin Lianghong shared that a patient recently referred to the Department of Immunology and Rheumatology from the Thoracic Department was found to have rheumatoid arthritis combined with pulmonary fibrosis after examination. Fortunately, the patient received anti-pulmonary fibrosis drug treatment in time. Currently, his lung function is stable, and his symptoms of wheezing, coughing, and fatigue have also been significantly improved. It is worth mentioning that this course of treatment can be used in parallel with the original treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The two-pronged approach can help patients achieve better disease control and quality of life.
Is it helpful to practice abdominal breathing every day? Doctors advise patients to do “6 more things”
For patients who have suffered from rheumatoid arthritis combined with pulmonary fibrosis and have recovered to a stable condition after treatment, what habits should they maintain in their daily lives? Director Lin Lianghong suggested that even if the lung function returns to normal, patients with rheumatoid arthritis should still undergo regular pulmonary function tests; in addition, in addition to practicing abdominal breathing more every day and doing moderate exercise under the supervision of a doctor, patients should also avoid anything that can cause Diets that are inflammatory to the body (such as foods high in fat, sugar, and salt).
In addition, it is also recommended that patients avoid any environmental factors that may aggravate the condition, such as avoiding working or activities in dusty or harmful gases. Workers engaged in industry or construction should take additional protective measures, such as wearing masks to reduce the risk to the lungs. Internal stimulation. Bad habits such as smoking and drinking may aggravate inflammation, and patients should quit in time to avoid affecting lung function. Although pulmonary fibrosis is irreversible, regular pulmonary function examinations, early intervention with anti-pulmonary fibrosis drugs and comprehensive improvement of living habits can make lung function more effective and improve the quality of life of patients.
