These symptoms are definitely something others with lupus can relate to. Shortness of breath and chest pain are actually quite common — around half of all people with lupus experience lung-related issues at some point.
There are several lupus-related reasons these symptoms can occur:
- Pleuritis (pleurisy) — inflammation Show Full Answer
These symptoms are definitely something others with lupus can relate to. Shortness of breath and chest pain are actually quite common — around half of all people with lupus experience lung-related issues at some point.
There are several lupus-related reasons these symptoms can occur:
- Pleuritis (pleurisy) — inflammation around the lungs, often causing sharp chest pain when breathing deeply
- Pleural effusion — fluid buildup around the lungs, which can feel like pressure or squeezing
- Pneumonitis — inflammation inside the lung tissue
- Pulmonary hypertension — high blood pressure in the lung arteries, affecting about 10% of people with lupus
- Shrinking lung syndrome — a rare complication making deep breaths difficult
- Blood clots in the lungs — more common in lupus due to antiphospholipid antibodies A MyLupusTeam member shared: *"I had been sharing the shortness of breath with several rheumatologists, but they didn't say much since it's common with lupus. I got referred to a pulmonologist and cardiologist by my primary care doctor. I think sometimes you need to insist if you feel something is amiss."*
It's really important not to just accept these symptoms without getting them properly investigated. Early treatment can help prevent complications like lung scarring.
Seek emergency care immediately if experiencing:
- Sudden or severe shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Blue lips or nails
- Fainting or confusion
- Nausea combined with any of the above
September 27
I do suffer pain in my lungs sometimes. Hope you feel better soon.
September 28
Thank you so much for all the responses! I am in the process of making a pulmonologist appointment. My immunologist said that I may have COPD based on the breathing test. I seeing a cardiologist on Wednesday.
Grateful for this support group. Helps to talk about it.
I wish you all a healthy and pain free day!!!
September 28
Yes, I have shortness of breath with some activities, and I have bronchiectasis (scarring and dilation of the bronchi), which, like chronic bronchitis, is a form of COPD. Flare-ups occasionally cause chest pain.
Have you had pulmonary function tests and seen a pulmonologist, Unie? I'm sure you're aware that for any severe chest pain or pain persisting longer than 10-15 minutes, it's best to go to the ER.
September 28
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