World Autoimmune Arthritis Day: 8 lethal illnesses individuals with rheumatoid arthritis are prone to
World Autoimmune Arthritis Day is noticed on May 20 yearly to boost consciousness about various kinds of autoimmune arthritis and unfold consciousness about them. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a sort of autoimmune arthritis whereby the physique’s immune system assaults its personal tissue together with joints. The signs of arthritis are fever, swollen lymph nodes, lack of hand operate, problem in mobility, sleep disturbances amongst others. Rheumatoid arthritis not simply impacts your joints, but in addition totally different points of well being placing one prone to cardiovascular points, hypertension, fatty liver, lung illness and even most cancers. (Also learn: World Autoimmune Arthritis Day 2023: Date, history, significance and celebration)
Arthritis and its differing kinds
“Arthritis is a condition characterized by joint inflammation, is a severe health issue that inflicts intense pain and stiffness on individuals. It encompasses a wide range of disorders that affect the joints, surrounding tissues, and connective tissues. There are over 160 different types of arthritis, which can be triggered by various factors such as medications, autoimmune responses, infections, trauma, crystals, or malignancies. The most common forms include osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with RA being an autoimmune disorder primarily affecting women aged 30 to 60. In India alone, approximately 1 in 100 individuals are affected by rheumatoid arthritis,” says Dr Preet Pal Thakur, Co-founder of Glamyo Health.
What is rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory illness by which an individual’s immune system assaults its personal wholesome cells within the physique resulting in painful joints, swelling within the affected joints within the physique which ends up in restricted actions and joints deformities. It mostly assaults joints within the palms, wrists, elbows, ankles and so on. Due to continual irritation, the liner of the joints get infected, main to wreck to joint tissues. It will result in long-lasting or continual ache, restricted exercise and joints deformity. If the illness is left untreated, it might additionally have an effect on different tissues all through the physique resulting in systemic issues like interstitial lung illness, bone marrow involvement, cardiovascular involvement resulting in cardiomyopathy, and pericarditis, says Dr Santosh Kumar Agrawal, Sr. Consultant doctor, Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad.
Many issues of rheumatoid arthritis
“Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not only a disease that affects the joints but also impacts various other aspects of a patient’s health. One significant concern is the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals with RA. Numerous studies have shown a higher prevalence of CVD in RA patients compared to the general population. The chronic inflammation characteristic of RA plays a crucial role in this heightened risk. It contributes to endothelial dysfunction, accelerates the development of atherosclerosis, and increases the likelihood of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes,” says Dr Sandeep Surendran, Consultant, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amrita Hospital, Kochi.
“Additionally, traditional risk factors for CVD, including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity, and smoking, are often more prevalent in RA patients. To effectively address the increased risk of CVD in RA patients, it is crucial to prioritize early detection and aggressive management of these traditional risk factors. Proper control of RA inflammation is also paramount. This necessitates integrated care and collaboration between rheumatologists and cardiologists to ensure comprehensive management and improved outcomes for RA patients,” provides Dr Sandeep.
Deadly illnesses that may be attributable to rheumatoid arthritis
Dr Sandeep shares illnesses individuals with rheumatoid arthritis are prone to:
1. Osteoarthritis and knee substitute in rheumatoid arthritis
RA heightens the danger of osteoarthritis and the necessity for knee substitute surgical procedure. The continual irritation in RA results in joint harm and cartilage loss, making people extra prone to secondary osteoarthritis. Studies have revealed a better prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in RA sufferers in comparison with the overall inhabitants. The aggressive nature of RA can additional exacerbate joint destruction, in the end necessitating knee substitute surgical procedure. However, early and efficient administration of RA is essential in controlling irritation and decreasing the danger of secondary osteoarthritis, probably mitigating the necessity for knee substitute.
2. Fatty liver illness
In addition to joint-related issues, RA has been related to an elevated threat of fatty liver illness. Chronic irritation in RA may cause metabolic abnormalities, together with insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia, which contribute to the event of non-alcoholic fatty liver illness (NAFLD). Studies have demonstrated a better prevalence of NAFLD in RA sufferers in comparison with the overall inhabitants. Furthermore, sure medicines generally used to handle RA, similar to corticosteroids and methotrexate, can additional elevate the danger of fatty liver. Regular monitoring of liver operate and adopting way of life modifications, similar to weight administration and wholesome dietary habits, are essential in minimizing the danger and development of fatty liver illness amongst RA sufferers.
3. Cancer
Another regarding side of RA is its affiliation with an elevated threat of sure varieties of most cancers. Chronic irritation linked to RA can contribute to the event and development of most cancers. Studies have indicated a better threat of lymphoma, significantly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, in people with RA. Additionally, RA sufferers could also be extra vulnerable to lung, pores and skin, and gastrointestinal cancers. The use of immunosuppressive medicines, together with methotrexate and biologic brokers generally prescribed for RA, can also contribute to the general most cancers threat. To mitigate this threat, common most cancers screening, vigilant monitoring, and acceptable administration of RA irritation are important for early identification and remedy of potential malignancies in RA sufferers.
4. Stroke
RA sufferers additionally face an elevated threat of stroke. The continual irritation attribute of RA can result in vascular dysfunction, speed up the development of atherosclerosis, and heighten the probability of cardiovascular occasions, together with stroke. To scale back the incidence of stroke in RA sufferers, it’s important to regulate RA irritation successfully. Additionally, managing conventional stroke threat elements, similar to hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, and smoking cessation, is essential in minimizing the general threat.
Dr Akhilesh Yadav, Associate Director – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Max Hospital Vaishali provides extra illnesses to the listing.
5. Cardiovascular Disease
People with RA have a better threat of growing heart problems (CVD). In India, CVD is the main explanation for loss of life. The irritation attributable to rheumatoid arthritis can harm the blood vessels and result in the event of CVD. People with rheumatoid arthritis ought to monitor their blood strain, levels of cholesterol, and blood sugar ranges to cut back their threat of growing heart problems.
6. Infections
People with rheumatoid arthritis have a weakened immune system, which makes them extra prone to sure infections. In India, infectious illnesses similar to tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis B and C are prevalent. People with rheumatoid arthritis ought to take steps to stop infections by training good hygiene and getting vaccinated in opposition to infectious illnesses.
Dr. Santosh Kumar Agrawal, Sr. Consultant doctor, Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad shares extra illnesses that may be attributable to rheumatoid arthritis.
7. Felty’s syndrome
It’s an uncommon complication occurring as a consequence of rheumatoid arthritis. This occurs when your spleen is enlarged and your white blood cell depend goes low. It could improve the danger of lymphoma.
8. Lung Problems
Your lungs could get infected owing to rheumatoid arthritis. It could lead to pleuritis (pleurisy), a situation that makes respiration painful. Rheumatoid nodules could develop in your lungs too, resulting in points like a collapsed lung, coughing up blood, an infection, or pleural effusion, which is fluid accumulation between the liner of your lung and your chest cavity. Due to rheumatoid arthritis, Interstitial lung illnesses could develop. These lung illnesses result in scarring of the lung tissues and pulmonary hypertension, a sort of hypertension that severely harms arteries within the lung and coronary heart.