Arthritis-Life.com

A chronic disease of the autoimmune system affecting primarily the joints is known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). And since it is an autoimmune systemic disease, it definitely influences the other parts of the body. These other areas affected by rheumatoid arthritis are:

• The Skin. Rheumatoid arthritis patients describe small nodules being formed beneath their skin usually closer to the joint area. These nodules are so evident at times that the joint is flexed. The presence of purpura is also an indication of the effect of rheumatoid arthritis on the skin. Purpuras are purplish patches developed on the skin due to the damage incurred by the blood vessels. Rheumatoid arthritis caused the blood vessels to become damaged, making it to rupture and bleed into the skin known as vasculitis. Skin ulcers that appear because of vasculitic lesions is also another skin problem associated with RA.
• The Heart. This is one of the body parts that, though mildly happens, could be unpleasantly affected by RA. Because of the inflammation caused by RA, fluid is likely gathered around the heart. Once the inflammation becomes serious the heart muscle is affected. The coronary arteries have the tendency to enlarge which leads to working harder of the heart muscle. Just like the heart, there may be also fluid that will gather around the lungs which could cause stiffness of the lung tissue. Therefore breathing will become difficult as a result of inflammation related to RA.
• The Musculoskeletal Structures of the Body. Muscles and skeletons can be seriously damaged by RA. Once the inflammation attacks the joints, it results to the shrinking and weakening of the muscles known as atrophy. Actually, rheumatoid arthritis does not directly result to atrophy. It is when the muscles are not being used for a longer time that results to atrophy. When RA attacks, the joints and muscles that are affected will ache and swell thus the arthritic patient tends to not move the stricken muscles – resulting to atrophy. The area of the hands is the most vulnerable part that can be affected by atrophy.
• The Digestive Tract. Dry mouth, which is associated to Sjogren syndrome, is the most common complication in the digestive tract when rheumatoid arthritis attacks. Stomach ulcers and gastritis or stomach inflammation are more likely to develop because of the intake of medications to control rheumatoid arthritis.
• The Blood. It may also be affected by rheumatoid arthritis as there are arthritic patients who complain of developing anemia. Anemia is a result of a low level of red blood cells, and a low level of hemoglobin in the blood cells. These are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the blood stream