Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis – Be Aware Of Potential Complications

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Severe rheumatoid arthritis – combat the inflammation

Severe rheumatoid arthritis is used to describe the worst form of this disease. While this type typically affects more joints than mild form of rheumatoid arthritis, it doesn’t necessarily mean greater suffering. However there is greater potential for complications and this is why it is so important to have this disease diagnosed early and to start recommended treatment straight away.

Severe rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint deformity very early in the process and progress quite rapidly. Therefore it is vital to aggressively combat the inflammation that is causing this destruction. Make sure you are seeing a doctor who is well qualified to deal with rheumatoid arthritis or ask to be referred to a rheumatologist. It’s vital in the early stages to follow exactly what you are advised to do and to be in constant communication with your medical specialist.

If you are dealing with severe rheumatoid arthritis, don’t go out on your own and try different remedies, even natural ones. Wait until the disease is under control before attempting any new treatments and always run them past your doctor first. They may be quite harmless and safe to try, but there are some herbal remedies for rheumatoid arthritis that can react negatively with prescription medication so be careful.

It is always a good idea, no matter where you’re at in the progress of this disease, to learn as much as you can about it. The more knowledge you have, the more control you will have over your treatment and the more intelligent questions you can ask. However do be aware that there is a lot of misleading and contradictory information on some of the medical sites. A good rule of thumb is that a site that is attempting to sell any type of medication may be capable of stretching the truth.

There are instances in which a mild case can progress to severe rheumatoid arthritis despite your best efforts the best efforts of the medical profession. When this happens, complications can arise which can go beyond pain, inflammation and joint destruction. Here’s some possibilities to be aware of so that you can take steps to counter them…

Potential complications of severe rheumatoid arthritis

Anaemia – people with SRA may develop anaemia, which causes a decrease in the number of red blood cells. Make sure you get enough foods rich in iron and B12.

Osteoporosis – or decrease in bone density. This particularly affects elderly sufferers of severe rheumatoid arthritis and can be made worse by medications such as corticosteroids. Make sure you have a nutritious diet with all necessary vitamins and minerals. Also ensure adequate vitamin D levels.

Vasculitis (angiitis) – is an autoimmune inflammatory condition of the small blood vessels and can have an effect on other organs in the body due to lack of blood flow.

Coronary artery disease – thought to be caused again by chronic inflammation.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – a cancer of the lymphatic system which is thought to be caused by a weakened immune system. Any drugs given to suppress immune function could lead to this type of cancer.

This is not a complete list of the possible complications of severe rheumatoid arthritis and is mainly to alert you to the variety of potential health problems associated with the disease. It is not intended to depress you but to help prepare you for certain possibilities. You may not be affected by any of the conditions listed here, but it is to your advantage to know about them so that you can be prepared. Severe rheumatoid arthritis can be well managed so it’s important to keep your spirits up.