Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and serious medical condition that can create damage in the joints. It is often painful and it can limit your mobility. While the changes in the joint are the most common occurrences, this disease can affect other areas of your body as well.

Identification

• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes pain, inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Physical changes in the joints occurs, which causes damage to the bone and cartilage. Other symptoms of this condition include fatigue, weight loss and fever.

RA and Your Lungs

• Rheumatoid arthritis can create lumps called nodules and they can appear on the knuckles, elbows and heels. Sometimes these nodules can form in the lungs. Another complication can occur due to inflammation in the lining of the lung, causing a condition called pleurisy.

RA and Your Heart

• Having rheumatoid arthritis almost doubles your chances of having a heart attack. There are suggestions that having rheumatoid arthritis can cause the plaque build up in your arteries to form blood clots. In addition, inflammation can occur in the lining of the heart causing pericarditis.

RA and Your Eyes

• Having RA can lead to chronic dryness in the eyes. Normally glands near your eyes create tears to help moisten the eyes. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause damage to these glands. Without treatment this damage can lead to blindness.

Prevention/Solution

• It is important to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you may be experiencing. With proper diagnosis and treatment, these serious complications can be prevented or modified.