Asthma, Arthritis DMARDS, & link between lung disease & arthritis

[Guest guest]

I've read that in some types of arthritis that there is a strong link between

lung disease and arthritis.  Is it infectious or viral?  The allergic (and

possibly intrinsic) asthma has been there since early childhood for me.  The

DMARDS all seem to have upper respiratory infections, some very serious, as part

of their side effect profile and now that seems to be my theme experience. 

Xolair also was known to have that as a side effect per rheumy but I wrote mine

off (on Xolair) as my usual problems. 

 

So, what do people with severe asthma do with painful arthritis?  I can take 600

mgs of Ibuprofen 3 times a day and it will take the edge off the pain and raise

blood pressure.  I'm wondering too about the treatments for both arthritis

(which causes respiratory infections - especially areas where there is a lot of

mucous) and treatment for asthma such as Xolair that for me, and I've read, for

some others, can increase body pain.  There must be a missing link in all of

this or some of us have another " variety " of these diseases. 

 

My arthritis has been getting worse since I had a bad reaction to Plaquenil in

July.  The asthma is not under control either but that's an old story. 

 

The rheumy just put me on Areva - I took 5 mgs - way below a theraputic dose -

and my throat developed a sort've small sore lump, my tongue is burning, and my

throat is burning plus sinus pressure and teeth and gums hurting. 

Interestingly, with this one dose I did not see any worsening of asthma,

though.  This is similar to what I experienced on Plaquenil except I was on it

much longer and at a higher dose.  In that case I felt like I was absolutely

burning up but was told I had an allergic reaction.   Is that really allergy or

toxicity? 

 

I'm questioning " allergic reaction " and wondering if some of us are stumbling

into actual toxicity?  I think there are folks on this message board who are

able to take the DMARDS - how do they keep from having upper respiratory

infections?   How is asthma controlled?  How does Xolair affect all of this? 

 

I'd really like to know more about all this so I can give my docs some

direction!