Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the musculoskeletal system and can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints and other organs. While the condition primarily affects the joints, it can have an impact on other organs throughout the body as well.
Specifically, rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation of the lining of the heart and lungs, which can lead to chest pain and shortness of breath. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis can affect the eyes, causing eye pain, sensitivity to light, and even vision loss in severe cases.
It can also impact the kidneys and liver and contribute to anemia. These complications can be dangerous, so it’s important to work with a doctor to monitor your symptoms and receive the proper treatment to ensure your overall health.
What are usually the first signs of rheumatoid arthritis?
The first signs of rheumatoid arthritis usually involve pain, warmth, and swelling in the joints, especially in the hands and feet. Other common early symptoms include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, and anemia (low red blood cell count).
If these symptoms are left untreated, they can worsen over time and lead to damage of the affected joints and chronic pain. People with rheumatoid arthritis may also experience pain in other organs, such as the heart, lungs, and skin.
Joint stiffness may be the most consistent early symptom, and it is usually worse in the morning. People with rheumatoid arthritis often find it difficult to move the joints and may even experience muscle weakness.
Additionally, people with rheumatoid arthritis commonly exhibit rheumatoid nodules, which are small lumps or bumps under the skin near the affected joints.
Does rheumatoid show up in blood tests?
Yes, rheumatoid can show up in blood tests. Although there is no single test for rheumatoid, blood tests may be performed to help diagnose and monitor the disease.
Specific blood test markers can be used to help confirm a diagnosis and to help assess how active the disease is. Examples of these markers include the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate), C-reactive protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF).
The ESR test measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube and is moderately sensitive to active inflammation from disorders like rheumatoid. The CRP test is also sensitive to active inflammation and can be used to monitor disease activity.
The RF test is more specific to conditions like rheumatoid and other rheumatic disorders and is often one of the first tests used for diagnosis.
In addition, blood tests can also be used to rule out the presence of other conditions that may be causing symptoms similar to those caused by rheumatoid, such as lupus or thyroid disease. And lastly, they can be used to monitor potential complications caused by rheumatoid, such as anemia or infection.
What is the average life expectancy of a female with rheumatoid arthritis?
The average life expectancy of a female with rheumatoid arthritis depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the disease and the individual’s access to treatment and support. According to the Arthritis Foundation, people with mild to moderate rheumatoid arthritis may experience no decrease in life expectancy over an unaffected person, while those with severe rheumatoid arthritis may have a slightly reduced average life expectancy.
Generally, life expectancy for a female with rheumatoid arthritis is estimated to be between 70 and 80 years. Factors such as age, health status, and genetics can affect life expectancy, however. For example, individuals who are older and/or have other chronic conditions or existing health problems may experience a shorter life expectancy than those with no other chronic conditions.
Additionally, some studies suggest that individual genetics play a role in life expectancy, with those carrying a certain gene variant associated with more aggressive and disabling rheumatoid arthritis having a slightly lower estimated life expectancy.
How long does it take for rheumatoid arthritis to cripple?
The length of time it takes for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to cause crippling effects varies from person to person and depends upon many factors, including the age at which the RA was diagnosed and the severity of the condition.
In some cases, RA can progress quickly and cause crippling effects in a matter of months. Other times, RA has a slower onset and complications can gradually worsen over the years. Additionally, someone’s RA can flare up at any time and cause more severe effects.
Since RA can cause permanent joint damage and other major complications, it’s important to receive an early diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible. Early treatment can help slow the progression of RA and reduce the risk of crippling effects.
Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, and medical procedures. Learning and understanding the symptoms of RA can also help you seek treatment early, so you can manage the effects of this condition.
How long do you live after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis?
It is difficult to provide a definitive answer to how long someone with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can expect to live after being diagnosed with the condition, as it varies from person to person depending on the severity of the illness and any other existing medical conditions the person may have.
Generally, the outlook for people diagnosed with RA is good, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most individuals with the condition can be expected to live at least 10-15 more years.
While more serious cases may experience a shorter lifespan, newer treatments and medications have dramatically improved the quality of life for so many; this means that people with RA can live a long and rewarding life, even after they’ve been diagnosed.
Is rheumatoid arthritis a big deal?
Yes, rheumatoid arthritis is a very serious condition. It is a form of chronic inflammatory disorder that affects more than 1. 3 million Americans each year. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, which means it is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking the joints.
It can cause pain, swelling and damage to the joint, leading to a loss of functionality and range of motion. In severe cases, the inflammation can cause joint deformities, disability, and long-term disability.
Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes, medications, and joint replacement surgery. It is important to seek medical advice and treatment as soon as possible if you suspect you have rheumatoid arthritis, as early detection and treatment can help limit the long-term effects of this condition.
What foods cause flare ups with RA?
People with RA can experience flare-ups due to certain foods. Research has not established a definitive link between any particular food and RA flares, but some people notice a correlation between what they eat and their symptoms.
Additionally, certain food sensitivities can contribute to inflammation, which can result in a flare. Generally, foods that promote inflammation, such as those high in sugar, trans fat, and saturated fat can play a role in an RA flare-up.
Furthermore, excessive consumption of certain foods including dairy, nightshade vegetables, and salt, as well as certain types of seafood and processed foods can lead to increased levels of inflammation in people with RA.
It is important to listen to your body and observe any connections between your diet and your symptoms. Keeping a food diary can be a helpful tool to help identify any dietary triggers. Ultimately, foods that are nutritious and unprocessed such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and proteins, are generally less likely to trigger an RA flare.