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What are the Different Rheumatoid Arthritis Complications?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Rheumatoid arthritis is a very common but poorly understood type of autoimmune disorder. Most people with the condition have relatively infrequent, mild bouts of fatigue, low fever, and joint pain and swelling. Occasionally, however, more severe rheumatoid arthritis complications can occur. Possible rheumatoid arthritis complications include lumpy nodules under the skin, eye irritation, anemia, and heart and lung problems. It is important for a person with the disorder to schedule regular checkups with a physician so complications can be detected and treated appropriately before they become major health problems.

Skin nodules and rashes are typically the most noticeable rheumatoid arthritis complications. Firm bumps may appear just underneath the skin on the fingers, feet, elbows, or elsewhere on the body. Nodules are usually painless and do not cause skin discoloration. They are rarely more than 1 inch (about 2.5 centimeters) in diameter. Mild itchy rashes or small, open skin lesions may develop as well due to inflammation and damage of blood vessels in the skin.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects joints, causing pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects joints, causing pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility.

The eyes are prone to rheumatoid arthritis complications as well. The protective membrane called the sclera can become inflamed, causing the white of the eye to turn red. Pain, swelling, and excessive tearing are common when the sclera is damaged. A person may have blurred vision or light sensitivity as a result. In most cases, eye problems are temporary and subside when other symptoms of an acute rheumatoid arthritis attack resolve.

The eyes are also prone to rheumatoid arthritis complications.
The eyes are also prone to rheumatoid arthritis complications.

Anemia may develop when severe rheumatoid arthritis or the drugs used to treat it cause a drop in healthy red blood cells. Most cases of anemia are mild, and may be characterized by fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizzy spells. People with more serious cases might experience frequent muscle cramps, extreme tiredness, and bouts of lightheadedness and mental confusion.

Some rheumatoid arthritis patients have found acupuncture to be an effective treatment option.
Some rheumatoid arthritis patients have found acupuncture to be an effective treatment option.

Heart and lung rheumatoid arthritis complications are rare, but they can become serious if they are left untreated. Inflammation can affect the lining around the heart and lungs, leading to swelling, pain, and poor blood circulation. Heart tissue complications can cause a sudden rise or drop in heart rate and possibly result in anxiety, fainting, or in rare cases, heart attack. Lung involvement may cause shortness of breath and sleeping problems. It is also possible for irritated tissue to rupture and lead to a collapsed lung.

Females develop rheumatoid arthritis three times more often than males.
Females develop rheumatoid arthritis three times more often than males.

Any complications should be reported to a doctor so proper treatment decisions can be made. Special anti-inflammatory skin creams, eye drops, or oral drugs may be prescribed to combat active symptoms. Anemia and heart and lung problems can often be managed with prescription drugs as well. A physician also may need to adjust or change a patient's daily arthritis medications to help avoid complications in the future.

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    • Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects joints, causing pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility.
      By: hriana
      Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects joints, causing pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility.
    • The eyes are also prone to rheumatoid arthritis complications.
      By: maska82
      The eyes are also prone to rheumatoid arthritis complications.
    • Some rheumatoid arthritis patients have found acupuncture to be an effective treatment option.
      By: Alfred Wekelo
      Some rheumatoid arthritis patients have found acupuncture to be an effective treatment option.
    • Females develop rheumatoid arthritis three times more often than males.
      By: Tracy Whiteside
      Females develop rheumatoid arthritis three times more often than males.
    • People with rheumatoid arthritis may see a reduction in their lifespan by as much as 10 to 15 years.
      By: designua
      People with rheumatoid arthritis may see a reduction in their lifespan by as much as 10 to 15 years.
    • The sclera, the white part of the eye, can become inflamed as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.
      By: Péter Mács
      The sclera, the white part of the eye, can become inflamed as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Genetics and family history are among the risk factors for developing arthritis.
      By: bst2012
      Genetics and family history are among the risk factors for developing arthritis.