Arthritis and incident pulmonary diseases in middle-aged and elderly Chinese: a longitudinal population-based study.

Arthritis increased the risk of pulmonary diseases among middle-aged and elderly Chinese. Early detection and treatment of pulmonary abnormalities among arthritis patients could help decrease the mortality and reduce the global burden of arthritis. Key Points • The coexistence of arthritis and pulmonary abnormalities has long been observed, but whether arthritis status can trigger pulmonary disorders is still uncertain. • Arthritis status are associated with increased risk of pulmonary diseases (chronic lung diseases/asthma) among middle-aged and elderly Chinese. • Early detection and treatment of pulmonary abnormalities among arthritis patients could help decrease the mortality and reduce the global burden of arthritis.