3 Ways Autoimmune Diseases Can Affect The Lungs
Autoimmune diseases have the capacity to either directly or indirectly affect the lungs. People with an autoimmune disease should be cognizant of symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, which may require a pulmonary function test (PFT) for an accurate and specific diagnosis.
Inflammation
The most basic way autoimmune diseases can affect the lungs is causing inflammation. Pleurisy occurs when the membrane that surrounds the lungs is inflamed. This membrane is normally smooth and helps reduce friction so the lungs can glide smoothly against other organs in the chest cavity.