Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect Only Joints?
It is a systemic autoimmune condition.
The immune activity or inflammation may affect other organs.
The organs affected by RA besides the joints:
Skin –
RA may lead to the formation of small nodules under the skin, commonly near the bony prominences like the elbow and knuckles.
Eyes –
The antibodies produced by the immune system can target glands in the eyes.
This autoimmune activity may also induce inflammation in the sclera (the white part of the eye).
These effects may lead to severe dryness, pain, or redness.
Lungs –
Systemic inflammation may affect lung tissues.
Prolonged inflammation may increase the risk of lung scarring.
It may cause inflammation of the pleura.
It may cause sharp pain and difficulty breathing.
It may contribute to pleural effusion.
Heart and blood vessels –
Long-term inflammation may lead to certain cardiac issues.
It may cause plaque buildup and narrow arteries.
It may lead to hardening of blood vessels.
The inflammation can affect the pericardium.
This may lead to fluid buildup in the pericardial sac (around the heart).
Nerves
Rheumatoid arthritis may compress the nerves around the swollen joint.
The inflammation may damage blood vessels, reducing blood supply to the nerves.
Bones
Rheumatoid arthritis increases the activity of osteoclasts.
Osteoclasts cause bone breakdown and bone erosion.
It may disrupt normal bone remodeling throughout the body.
It can also cause secondary osteoporosis.
Kidneys- Certain people with RA may experience kidney dysfunction.
Inflammation may affect nephrons in the kidney.
Certain medications for RA may also affect kidneys.
Bone marrow and blood formation –
Chronic inflammation can interfere with red blood cell formation.
It can alter the availability of iron for blood formation.
It may reduce the red blood cell count.
Other adverse effects caused by RA include:
Chronic weakness –
Prolonged inflammation may cause weakness.
Unusual weight loss –
A constantly active immune system may increase metabolism.
It may cause several changes, such as:
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
Muscle wasting –
Chronic inflammation may break down the skeletal muscles.
It is called rheumatoid cachexia.
Increased risk of infections
Medications used to treat RA can suppress the immune system, and RA itself can impair immune defenses, increasing the risk of infections.
Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome
RA may cause the immune system to attack the body’s exocrine glands.
This may alter exocrine secretions.
It may lead to excessive dryness in the eyes and mouth.
Increased risk of insulin resistance
The circulating inflammatory proteins in the blood may alter the response of cells to insulin.
This may interfere with glucose metabolism in certain individuals.
Impaired cognition
Cognitive difficulties (such as trouble concentrating or memory issues) and changes in mood may be caused by chronic inflammation, persistent pain, or a disrupted sleep cycle.
Bottom line:
Rheumatoid arthritis may cause several complications beyond joint damage.
It may affect several organs and alter body functions.
Early intervention and proper treatment may help control severe complications.
At Aprazer Healthcare, we manufacture a comprehensive range of rheumatology medicines.
As a rheumatology medicine manufacturer, we aim to develop advanced drug formulations for rheumatology disorders.
Our product catalogue includes targeted medicines for rheumatoid arthritis:
- Conventional DMARDs
- Targeted DMARDs