AS can significantly worsen lung function, especially if the lungs are already compromised. The inflammation and structural changes caused by AS create a compounding effect on breathing.
Here are the key ways AS can impact already compromised lungs:
- Spinal fusion and chest wall stiffness — As the spine fuses, the rib cage Show Full Answer
AS can significantly worsen lung function, especially if the lungs are already compromised. The inflammation and structural changes caused by AS create a compounding effect on breathing.
Here are the key ways AS can impact already compromised lungs:
- Spinal fusion and chest wall stiffness — As the spine fuses, the rib cage loses its ability to expand fully, dramatically limiting how much air the lungs can take in
- Kyphosis (forward spinal curvature) — This bent-forward posture further restricts lung capacity and makes breathing harder
- Pulmonary fibrosis — Advanced AS can lead to scarring of lung tissue, reducing the lungs' ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream
- Increased risk of lung infections — Reduced chest wall movement makes it harder to clear the lungs, raising the risk of infections
- Airway compression — AS can physically compress the throat and airway, limiting airflow in and out of the lungs
- Nerve pathway compression — When AS affects the cervical spine, it can compress nerve centers that control breathing, potentially slowing breathing to dangerous levels If breathing difficulties are a concern, it's really important to speak with your doctor or a pulmonary rehabilitation specialist. They can recommend breathing exercises and monitor lung function as part of your overall spondylitis management plan. Staying on top of the underlying inflammation through your treatment plan is one of the best ways to slow these complications.
October 22
@A MySpondylitisTeam Member: Rick, I have had AS for some time. I have had lung issues for a long time too. i don’t know which came first- the AS or the lung issues. I do notice that breathing is sometimes hard especially at night because of compromised lungs. My rib cage is pressing against my heart and lungs which is why its difficult to figure out what my problem with my ribs/ heart/lungs is at any one time. I do have lesions on my lung. the pain I feel in my ribs is hard to tell whether its from costochondritis or from fibromyalgia. It is baffling to
me.In any event my lungs are compromised. Its hard to do a who
came first comparison like you would with the chicken and the egg. For me with what I know now, its all intertwined.
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