Pulmonary Disease From Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms

A progressive, chronic inflammatory disease, anklyosing spondylitis affects the joints between your spine and pelvis as well as the joints between your spinal bones. Two potential complications associated with ankylosing spondylitis include restrictive lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis.

Causes

• According to Medline Plus, there is no known cause of ankylosing spondylitis, but researchers believe that genetics play a role.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms

• Symptoms include stiffness and pain which is more pronounced in the morning or at night but typically improves with moderate activity. This is often accompanied by pronounced fatigue.

Restrictive Lung Disease Facts

• A potential complication of anklylosing spondylitis, restrictive lung disease is a chronic condition which results in your lungs having diminished capabilities to expand, making it more difficult to get adequate levels of oxygen for the body.

Types of Restrictive Lung Disease

• Interstitial lung disease is caused by chronic inflammation of the lungs' protective covering. Sarcoidosis-granulomatous disorder is a kind of interstitial lung disease which decreases your lung tissue's flexibility. Extrapulmonary restrictive lung disease is characterized by impaired expansion capabilities.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Facts

• Pulmonary fibrosis is a complication of ankylosing spondylitis and is characterized by scarred, stiff lung tissue which makes it more difficult to breathe. It may worsen quickly or over a long period of time.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Symptoms

• Symptoms include occasion chest pain, shortness of breath and dry cough. It is also characterized by progressively decreased tolerance for performing activity.