Caplans Syndrome

...less medical jargon in a 'Quick Glance' format!

Caplans Syndrome is swelling and scarring of the lungs in people with rheumatoid arthritis who have been exposed to mining dust, such as coal, silica, or asbestos.

Symptoms:

Cough

Shortness of breath

Wheezing

Nodules of the skin

Joint swelling and pain

Causes:
It is caused by breathing in mining dust, which causes inflammation and can lead to the development of many small lung bumps and mild asthma-like airway disease.

Some people who have been exposed to the dust have severe lung scarring that makes it difficult for their lungs to carry oxygen to the bloodstream. People with rheumatoid arthritis do not seem more likely to have this complication of scarring. This disease is very rare in the United States.

Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for this disease.

. . . Possible Complications

Side effects of medications

Increased risk for tuberculosis

Scarring

. . . Prevention
People with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid exposure to hazardous dust.

. . . Prognosis
This disease rarely causes serious breathing trouble or disability, but it can increase the risk for tuberculosis. People who have it should be screened for exposure to TB.

---

return from Caplan Syndrome, to... Arthritis A-C

link to... Home Page


link to...Gonococcal Arthritis

link to...Gonococcal Arthritis Treatment

link to...Gout




...less medical jargon in a 'Quick Glance' format!