How does RA affect the entire body?

I wanted to share on how RA affects the body.  Many can’t comprehend how bad it affects your entire body especially when they see you “look good.” I even have a hard time explaining it without getting frustrated so I scoured all over the Internet and found this article by emedicinehealth.com. In my opinion, this article most accurately depicts how Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the entire body.

Here is how Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the body:  

Musculoskeletal structures: Weak muscles can occur from not using a muscle especially due to pain and swelling. Damage to bones and tendons can cause deformities to hands and feet. Osteoporosis and carpal tunnel syndrome are other common complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Skin: Small, firm rheumatoid nodules may develop on or near the joint that are visible under the skin. Purpura can also surface. Purpura are dark purplish areas on the skin that is caused by bleeding into the skin from weakened blood vessels. Purpura is a common from taking a cortisone medication such as prednisone.

Heart: Inflammation can affect the heart muscle, valves and/or the coronary arteries. Pericardial effusion is not uncommon in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Pericardial effusion is a collection of fluid around the heart from inflammation, which usually causes only mild symptoms, if any, but can be very severe and lead to poor heart function.  Heart attacks are more frequent with RA patients therefore monitoring cholesterol and cardiovascular health is vital.

Lungs: Fluid may collect around one or both lungs and is referred to as a pleural effusion. Inflammation of the lining tissues of the lungs is known as pleuritis. Less frequently, lung tissues may become stiff or scarred, referred to as pulmonary fibrosis. Any of these effects can have a negative effect on breathing. Lung infections are more common with RA patients. Rheumatoid nodules of local inflammation can occur in lungs.

Digestive Tract: The digestive tract is usually not affected directly by Rheumatoid Arthritis. Dry mouth related to Sjögren’s syndrome, is the most common symptom of gastrointestinal involvement. Digestive complications are much more likely to be caused by medications used to treat the condition such as gastritis or stomach ulcer caused by NSAID therapy.

Kidneys: Kidney problems are not usually affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis. Kidney problems in RA are more likely caused by medications used to treat the condition.

Blood: Anemia is a common complication of RA. Anemia means that there are an abnormally low number of red blood cells and that these cells are low in hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen through the body. A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) can occur from Felty’s syndrome, a complication of RA that is also characterized by enlargement of the spleen.

Nervous system: The deformity and damage to joints in RA often lead to entrapment of nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one example of this. Entrapment can damage nerves and may lead to serious consequences.

Eyes: The eyes commonly become dry and/or inflamed in rheumatoid arthritis. This is a result of inflammation of the tear glands and is also called Sjögren’s syndrome. The severity of this condition depends on which parts of the eye are affected. There are many other eye complications of rheumatoid arthritis, including inflammation of the whites of the eyes (scleritis), which often require the care of an ophthalmologist.

Source: emedicinehealth.com