When we hear the term Rheumatoid Arthritis we usually envisage joints that are sore, inflamed and reddened because the disorder is connected to destruction of joints.
When we listen to the term Rheumatoid Arthritis we usually envisage joints that are sore,
inflamed and reddened because the disorder is connected to destruction of joints. But you may be astounded to learn that rheumatoid arthritis can appear in various other organs of our body since it is mainly an autoimmune condition. The autoimmune condition makes its effect in eyes, skin, lungs, blood vessels, heart and other body portions too. Moreover the drugs for treating RA also depict harmful effects to deteriorate the condition. As if this is less, dealing with the condition endlessly makes the individual psychologically disturbed. Therefore lots of RA patients are victims of depression also.
For tackling with the unwanted complexities associated with RA, the complexity should be studied well firstly and needs to be cured aptly. Following are some of the average complications connected to RA.
Skin Complications Related to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid nodules is a skin complication connected to rheumatoid arthritis.They are produced in around 20 percent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They are masses of dead tissue and are produced below the skin over the joints and many times in other parts as well. Mainly the pressure points are the places where rheumatoid nodules develop. So elbows, heels, backside of forearms and finger knuckles are the regular areas for these nodules. Although nodules are normally non-hurting, they signify aggravation of joints. In addition to pressure points, RA nodules can appear at body parts such as eyes, heart and lungs also.
One more skin complication associated with rheumatoid arthritis is the modifications in the skin where inflammation in the blood vessels occurs because of rheumatoid arthritis. This skin and the cells adjacent to the swollen blood vessels change in looks and resemble with ulcers.
Certain patients experience rashes because of rheumatoid arthritis or the medicines. If you develop any change in skin color or rashes, you need to make your doctor know about it and have it tested.
Eye Complications Connected to Rheumatoid Arthritis
There are several complications of eyes associated with RA. An inflammation of the coating that encloses the sclera (white portion of eye), termed episclera, is the most frequent. As such the inflammation is not crucial, but the eye turns red and tender. On the contrary when the inflammation appears in sclera, it is a severe incidence and can even cause vision loss.
Sjogren’s Syndrome may also appear as a disorder of eyes with RA. This is a condition due to which lacrimal glands meaning glands which create tears are inflamed. Owing to this, eye is dried and infection can occur. Even cornea and conjunctiva can become hurt.
Heart and Blood Vessels Complications Asscociated with Rheaumatoid Arthritis
Innumerable patients of RA tend to have fluid gathered in the space between heart and its outer covering named pericardium. However the ailment may not exhibit signs and symptoms always. Pericarditis i.e. inflammation of pericardium can occur during outburst of the disease. When this continues the membrane densens and can be an obstacle in the heart’s activities. Even heart can come across rheumatoid nodules which obstruct its functioning. Yet another ailment named as myocarditis i.e. inflammation of muscle of heart takes place infrequently.
Heart and remaining muscles can also be weakened due to medications taken to treat RA. Therefore people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have more chances of cardiovascular disease, similar to people suffering from diabetes. Rheumatoid arthritis also presents higher chance of stroke.
Yet another complication is blood vessels’ inflammation termed as rheumatoid vasculitis. It hardly takes place but utmost dangerous. It usually attacks small blood vessels in skin, but may also affect other parts of the body too such as eyes, nerves and heart.
