Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It Affects the LungsLinked Lung ConditionsRisk FactorsSymptoms and SignsWhen to Call a DoctorFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Affects the Lungs
Linked Lung Conditions
Risk Factors
Symptoms and Signs
When to Call a Doctor
Frequently Asked Questions
Psoriatic arthritis has been linked to several conditions that cause breathing problems.Psoriasisis a chronic inflammatory condition that causes red scaly patches on the skin. When the condition affects the joints, it is known aspsoriatic arthritis.
Having psoriatic arthritis can put you at higher risk of developing respiratory diseases, such as asthma, sarcoidosis, interstitial lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
Psoriatic arthritis causes systemic inflammation, which is believed to trigger these other diseases.
The risk of developing a lung condition with psoriatic arthritis can be up to 50% more than the general population. However, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and treating your psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can help reduce this risk.
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / DigitalVision / Getty Images
How Psoriatic Arthritis Affects the Lungs
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are thought to lead to lung conditions due toinflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to harmful substances. It is normally how we heal. However, in diseases like psoriasis, the inflammation becomes widespread, affecting healthy tissues.
In psoriatic arthritis, inflammation-causing substances are released into the blood system. These then affect tissues throughout the body.
Ongoing inflammation can produce changes in the structures of the respiratory system, leading to different lung conditions. Depending on how the airways and lungs are affected, various outcomes can occur. Breathing problems can develop when the tissues of the lungs and respiratory system are affected.
Lung Conditions Linked to Psoriatic Arthritis
Although research is ongoing, links between several conditions and psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis have been found.
Asthma
There is an increased risk of developing asthma if you have psoriatic arthritis.The risk of developing asthma with psoriasis is higher in those over the age of 50.
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosisis an inflammatory disease that causes small clumps of cells to form in various parts of the body, most commonly in the lungs and skin.
A study of the Danish population found that people with psoriatic arthritis had a 50% higher risk of developing sarcoidosis due to the overlap of inflammation.
Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial lung disease(ILD) is the technical term for a complex set of lung conditions, including interstitial pneumonia andpulmonary fibrosis.
Though one study showed a slight increase in patients who had interstitial lung disease and psoriatic arthritis at the same time, there was not enough evidence to definitively conclude that psoriatic arthritis puts one at higher risk of developing ILD.
However, the study’s authors suggested that there may well be a connection due to the common inflammation patterns in both diseases. Further research is needed.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPDis a set of diseases that obstruct airflow in the lungs. This includesemphysemaandchronic bronchitis. Having psoriasis puts you at a higher risk of developing COPD.
This association is greater in those with severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Smoking with either of these conditions can make the risk even greater.
Lung Cancer
Many cancer risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, have been associated with psoriasis. This may explain the association between psoriatic arthritis andlung cancer.
However, one study found an increased risk of lung cancer in those who have psoriasis, although the overall cancer risk is not elevated.
There are certain risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing breathing problems with psoriatic arthritis. These include but are not limited to:
Though each condition has its own specific symptoms, if you have any of the following signs of a respiratory disease, you should talk to your doctor. These include but are not limited to:
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You should speak to your doctor regularly about your psoriatic arthritis and the risk of lung conditions. Staying on top of your treatment and having regular visits with your doctor can help keep you healthy.
Having an elevated risk does not necessarily mean that you will develop one of the lung conditions associated with psoriatic arthritis. But maintaining awareness can help prevent future problems.
If you experience any of the signs or symptoms of a lung condition, you should make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.
When to Seek Emergency HelpIf you experience difficulty breathing that does not get better, you have trouble walking and talking due to shortness of breath, or your lips or fingernails turn blue, seek emergency services immediately.
When to Seek Emergency Help
If you experience difficulty breathing that does not get better, you have trouble walking and talking due to shortness of breath, or your lips or fingernails turn blue, seek emergency services immediately.
How does psoriatic arthritis affect your ribs?
Psoriatic arthritis can affect your thoracic spine, making it difficult to expand your chest and ribs. Since the disease also causes pain and inflammation in the tendons and ligaments of the body, you may experience pain along your ribs.
How is psoriatic arthritis treated?
Mild forms of psoriatic arthritis can be treated with over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. Corticosteroids may also be injected into the affected joints.
For more severe forms of the disease,disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)may be prescribed to decrease signs and symptoms. In some cases, biologics may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage.
What other conditions are linked to psoriatic arthritis?
The following conditions are linked to psoriatic arthritis:
Summary
Psoriatic arthritis is linked to several conditions that affect breathing. The inflammation seen in psoriatic arthritis can damage the airways and lungs. Conditions such as asthma, sarcoidosis, interstitial lung disease, COPD, and lung cancer occur more often in people with psoriatic arthritis.
A Word From Verywell
Getting diagnosed with a chronic illness can be difficult. Though you might feel overwhelmed to learn that your condition puts you at higher risk of lung problems, there are ways to prevent further complications.
Knowing all the possible conditions that are associated with psoriatic arthritis can empower you to take charge of your health and give you a sense of control over your well-being.
Don’t be afraid to talk with your doctor about any new or concerning symptoms, even if they seem small or inconsequential. Avoid smoking, follow the treatment plan your doctor develops for you, and ask questions.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Santus P, Rizzi M, Radovanovic D, et al.Psoriasis and respiratory comorbidities: The added value of fraction of exhaled nitric oxide as a new method to detect, evaluate, and monitor psoriatic systemic involvement and therapeutic efficacy.Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:3140682. doi:10.1155/2018/3140682Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA).What is the relationship of lung disease and psoriasis?.Chen L, Deng H, Cui H, et al.Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs.Oncotarget. 2017;9(6):7204-7218. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.23208Nadeem A, Al-Harbi NO, Ansari MA, Al-Harbi MM, El-Sherbeeny AM, Zoheir KMA, Attia SM, Hafez MM, Al-Shabanah OA, Ahmad SF.Psoriatic inflammation enhances allergic airway inflammation through IL-23/STAT3 signaling in a murine model.Biochem Pharmacol. 2017 Jan 15;124:69-82. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.10.012Fang H, Liao W, Lin C, Chen C, Kao C.Association between psoriasis and asthma: a population-based retrospective cohort analysis.British Journal of Dermatology. 2015;172(4):1066-1071. doi:10.1111/bjd.13518Khalid U, Gislason GH, Hansen PR.Sarcoidosis in patients with psoriasis: a population-based cohort study.PLoS One. 2014;9(10):e109632. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0109632Ishikawa G, Dua S, Mathur A, et al.Concomitant interstitial lung disease with psoriasis.Can Respir J. 2019;2019:5919304. doi:10.1155/2019/5919304Li X, Kong L, Li F, et al.Association between psoriasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS One. 2015;10(12):e0145221. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0145221Vaengebjerg S, Skov L, Egeberg A, Loft N.Prevalence, incidence, and risk of cancer in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.JAMA Dermatology. 2020;156(4):421. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.0024Naldi L.Psoriasis and smoking: links and risks.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:65-71. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85189Liu JT, Yeh HM, Liu SY, Chen KT.Psoriatic arthritis: Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.World J Orthop. 2014;5(4):537-543. doi:10.5312/wjo.v5.i4.537MedlinePlus.COPD | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Asthma action plan.National Psoriasis Foundation.What are the related medical conditions of psoriasis?.Additional ReadingNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Asthma.Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA).What is the relationship of lung disease and psoriasis?.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Santus P, Rizzi M, Radovanovic D, et al.Psoriasis and respiratory comorbidities: The added value of fraction of exhaled nitric oxide as a new method to detect, evaluate, and monitor psoriatic systemic involvement and therapeutic efficacy.Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:3140682. doi:10.1155/2018/3140682Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA).What is the relationship of lung disease and psoriasis?.Chen L, Deng H, Cui H, et al.Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs.Oncotarget. 2017;9(6):7204-7218. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.23208Nadeem A, Al-Harbi NO, Ansari MA, Al-Harbi MM, El-Sherbeeny AM, Zoheir KMA, Attia SM, Hafez MM, Al-Shabanah OA, Ahmad SF.Psoriatic inflammation enhances allergic airway inflammation through IL-23/STAT3 signaling in a murine model.Biochem Pharmacol. 2017 Jan 15;124:69-82. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.10.012Fang H, Liao W, Lin C, Chen C, Kao C.Association between psoriasis and asthma: a population-based retrospective cohort analysis.British Journal of Dermatology. 2015;172(4):1066-1071. doi:10.1111/bjd.13518Khalid U, Gislason GH, Hansen PR.Sarcoidosis in patients with psoriasis: a population-based cohort study.PLoS One. 2014;9(10):e109632. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0109632Ishikawa G, Dua S, Mathur A, et al.Concomitant interstitial lung disease with psoriasis.Can Respir J. 2019;2019:5919304. doi:10.1155/2019/5919304Li X, Kong L, Li F, et al.Association between psoriasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS One. 2015;10(12):e0145221. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0145221Vaengebjerg S, Skov L, Egeberg A, Loft N.Prevalence, incidence, and risk of cancer in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.JAMA Dermatology. 2020;156(4):421. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.0024Naldi L.Psoriasis and smoking: links and risks.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:65-71. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85189Liu JT, Yeh HM, Liu SY, Chen KT.Psoriatic arthritis: Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.World J Orthop. 2014;5(4):537-543. doi:10.5312/wjo.v5.i4.537MedlinePlus.COPD | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Asthma action plan.National Psoriasis Foundation.What are the related medical conditions of psoriasis?.Additional ReadingNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Asthma.Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA).What is the relationship of lung disease and psoriasis?.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Santus P, Rizzi M, Radovanovic D, et al.Psoriasis and respiratory comorbidities: The added value of fraction of exhaled nitric oxide as a new method to detect, evaluate, and monitor psoriatic systemic involvement and therapeutic efficacy.Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:3140682. doi:10.1155/2018/3140682Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA).What is the relationship of lung disease and psoriasis?.Chen L, Deng H, Cui H, et al.Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs.Oncotarget. 2017;9(6):7204-7218. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.23208Nadeem A, Al-Harbi NO, Ansari MA, Al-Harbi MM, El-Sherbeeny AM, Zoheir KMA, Attia SM, Hafez MM, Al-Shabanah OA, Ahmad SF.Psoriatic inflammation enhances allergic airway inflammation through IL-23/STAT3 signaling in a murine model.Biochem Pharmacol. 2017 Jan 15;124:69-82. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.10.012Fang H, Liao W, Lin C, Chen C, Kao C.Association between psoriasis and asthma: a population-based retrospective cohort analysis.British Journal of Dermatology. 2015;172(4):1066-1071. doi:10.1111/bjd.13518Khalid U, Gislason GH, Hansen PR.Sarcoidosis in patients with psoriasis: a population-based cohort study.PLoS One. 2014;9(10):e109632. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0109632Ishikawa G, Dua S, Mathur A, et al.Concomitant interstitial lung disease with psoriasis.Can Respir J. 2019;2019:5919304. doi:10.1155/2019/5919304Li X, Kong L, Li F, et al.Association between psoriasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS One. 2015;10(12):e0145221. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0145221Vaengebjerg S, Skov L, Egeberg A, Loft N.Prevalence, incidence, and risk of cancer in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.JAMA Dermatology. 2020;156(4):421. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.0024Naldi L.Psoriasis and smoking: links and risks.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:65-71. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85189Liu JT, Yeh HM, Liu SY, Chen KT.Psoriatic arthritis: Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.World J Orthop. 2014;5(4):537-543. doi:10.5312/wjo.v5.i4.537MedlinePlus.COPD | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Asthma action plan.National Psoriasis Foundation.What are the related medical conditions of psoriasis?.
Santus P, Rizzi M, Radovanovic D, et al.Psoriasis and respiratory comorbidities: The added value of fraction of exhaled nitric oxide as a new method to detect, evaluate, and monitor psoriatic systemic involvement and therapeutic efficacy.Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:3140682. doi:10.1155/2018/3140682
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA).What is the relationship of lung disease and psoriasis?.
Chen L, Deng H, Cui H, et al.Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs.Oncotarget. 2017;9(6):7204-7218. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.23208
Nadeem A, Al-Harbi NO, Ansari MA, Al-Harbi MM, El-Sherbeeny AM, Zoheir KMA, Attia SM, Hafez MM, Al-Shabanah OA, Ahmad SF.Psoriatic inflammation enhances allergic airway inflammation through IL-23/STAT3 signaling in a murine model.Biochem Pharmacol. 2017 Jan 15;124:69-82. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.10.012
Fang H, Liao W, Lin C, Chen C, Kao C.Association between psoriasis and asthma: a population-based retrospective cohort analysis.British Journal of Dermatology. 2015;172(4):1066-1071. doi:10.1111/bjd.13518
Khalid U, Gislason GH, Hansen PR.Sarcoidosis in patients with psoriasis: a population-based cohort study.PLoS One. 2014;9(10):e109632. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0109632
Ishikawa G, Dua S, Mathur A, et al.Concomitant interstitial lung disease with psoriasis.Can Respir J. 2019;2019:5919304. doi:10.1155/2019/5919304
Li X, Kong L, Li F, et al.Association between psoriasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS One. 2015;10(12):e0145221. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0145221
Vaengebjerg S, Skov L, Egeberg A, Loft N.Prevalence, incidence, and risk of cancer in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.JAMA Dermatology. 2020;156(4):421. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.0024
Naldi L.Psoriasis and smoking: links and risks.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:65-71. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85189
Liu JT, Yeh HM, Liu SY, Chen KT.Psoriatic arthritis: Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.World J Orthop. 2014;5(4):537-543. doi:10.5312/wjo.v5.i4.537
MedlinePlus.COPD | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Asthma action plan.
National Psoriasis Foundation.What are the related medical conditions of psoriasis?.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Asthma.Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA).What is the relationship of lung disease and psoriasis?.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Asthma.
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