Unusual Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a bone and joint disease that causes inflammation of the synovial membrane. This membrane protects and lubricates the joints. The result is pain, joint swelling, and eventual loss of mobility in certain joint areas. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other areas of the body.

Identification

• Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that usually begins with morning stiffness and moves to joint pain in several areas of the body.

Eyes

• Rheumatoid arthritis may cause dry eyes, inflammation of the interior and exterior of the eyes, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Lungs

• Rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation of the lining of the lungs. It can cause shortness of breath and scarring of the lungs.

Other Symptoms

• Rheumatoid arthritis can have symptoms similar to the flu. An individual may experience fever, weight loss and muscle aches.

Spine

• Rheumatoid arthritis may affect the cervical spine, especially in people who have had the disease for more than ten years.