Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease, which causes not only pain and swelling of joints, but also a variety of serious complications if not properly controlled.
Joint deformity is one of the most well-known complications. Long-term inflammation erodes articular cartilage and bone tissue, destroying joint structure. Finger joints may have ulnar deviation, swan neck or button pattern deformities, which seriously affect the completion of fine hand movements, and patients will encounter great difficulties in daily activities such as dressing, eating and writing. The pathological changes of knee joint can lead to limited joint movement and walking disorder, which greatly reduces the self-care ability and quality of life of patients.
Rheumatoid nodules are also common complications, mostly occurring in the protuberance of the joint and under the skin of the compressed part, such as elbow, occipital, Achilles tendon and so on. These nodules vary in size, are hard in texture, and are generally not tender or only slightly tender. Their existence not only indicates that the disease is in an active stage, but also may oppress the surrounding nerves, blood vessels and other tissues, causing local paresthesia or blood circulation disorders.
In terms of
organs, the complications of rheumatoid arthritis should not be underestimated. Involvement of the cardiovascular system can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Inflammation can promote the development of atherosclerosis and cause serious heart problems such as coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. At the same time, pericarditis may also occur, patients will have precordial pain, expiratory dyspnoea and other symptoms, affecting the normal function of the heart.
Respiratory complications include pleurisy and interstitial pneumonia. Pleurisy can lead to chest pain and cough, while interstitial pneumonia can gradually impair lung function, resulting in progressive expiratory dyspnoea, dry cough, a significant decline in activity tolerance, and severe respiratory failure.
Renal lesions are manifested as proteinuria and hematuria, which affect the normal metabolism and excretion function of the kidney. Anemia may occur in the blood system, and patients will feel fatigue, dizziness and panic, which is the result of chronic inflammation inhibiting bone marrow hematopoiesis and malabsorption of nutrients. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca in the eyes can cause dry eyes, astringent eyes, blurred vision and discomfort to patients.
For these complications, preventive measure is essential. First of all, early diagnosis and standardized treatment are the key. Once suspicious symptoms such as joint pain and swelling occur, they should seek medical treatment in time, make a definite diagnosis through relevant examinations, and actively use anti-rheumatic drugs, such as methotrexate and leflunomide, to control the development of the disease and reduce the damage of inflammation to joints and organs.
Patients should pay attention to joint protection in daily life to avoid overuse and joint injury. In the acute attack period, proper rest, remission period can be moderate joint function exercise, such as joint flexion and extension activities, to maintain the range of motion of the joint, but to avoid strenuous exercise.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also indispensable. Eat a balanced diet, ensure adequate nutrition, and eat more foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals to enhance the body’s resistance. Quit smoking and limit alcohol. Smoking increases the risk of joint inflammation and cardiovascular complications. At the same time, attention should be paid to the prevention of infection, because infection may induce the aggravation of rheumatoid arthritis, thereby increasing the incidence of complications. Regular physical examination, monitoring of disease changes and organ function, in order to adjust the treatment plan in time. Through these preventive measure, we can effectively reduce the incidence of complications of rheumatoid arthritis and improve the quality of life of patients.
