I'm being investigated for possible Lupus lung involvement and my current diagnosis is CNS & Neuro Lupus. I've been struggling to get my breath since earlier in the year but it has got progressively worse over the past 7 months. I feel like my lungs don't have the energy or strength to completely inflate themselves so I feel like I'm suffocating. I also get very breathless at very little exertion, as well as severe muscle weakness. I can't hang washing on a maiden without getting breathless and having to take a break!

I used to compete in sporting events, I've done a triathlon, a couple of timed 10ks, half marathon - but then I got sick and I've barely been able to train. I've managed to climb and swim when I'm having a good period of health.

I find that swimming actually helps with the breathing problems - I think it's because you breath in a very controlled way and it's a steady pace. Give it a try and let me know if it helps or makes it worse?

I have pleural effusions often. It will hurt when I inhale. It also causes my upper back and neck to hurt too. I haven't found anything that really helps it.

Yes. I had a scan of my lungs and there were fine. He also performed a spirometer y0test which I failed miserably at so he put me on Breo Ellipta. It's an inhaler and it has done wonders.

Yup i have problems w my lungs wen i get flare up ! Chest feels so heavy n like i can get enuff air ! Ur not alone !

I have pleural effusion and asthma caused by the lupus. (I was just diagnosed at the end of May). I was admitted to the hospital because I couldn't breath and was tachycardic. I couldn't lay down flat and taking anything more than a shallow breath was agony. I was also coughing so hard that I was about to resort to wearing Depends when I had to go to work. I was put on Prednisone and Advair and it has made a lot of difference. I still have a bit of effusion, but the cough is almost gone and I can breath again