Although rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects joints, it sometimes causes lung disease as well. Men in their 50s and 60s and more who have more active rheumatoid arthritis and a history of smoking are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis-related lung disease.The lung problems most often linked to rheumatoid arthritis include:- "Scarring within the lungs" related to long-term inflammation (interstitial lung disease) may cause shortness of breath, chronic dry cough, fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite. "Lung nodules"...Small lumps can form in the lungs (rheumatoid nodules), as well as in other parts of the body. These usually cause no signs or symptoms, and they don't pose a risk of lung cancer. In some cases, however, a nodule can rupture and cause a collapsed lung. Pleural disease.... The tissue surrounding the lungs, known as the pleura can become inflamed. Dob't be scary. Stay connected with your doctor.. Stay healthy