Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can create a wide range of issues across your body. As it is a life-long condition, you will have to deal with different health issues caused by it throughout your lifetime. Even though remission can happen in people with this disorder, the rheumatology symptoms can come back again after a short span of time. Additionally, this condition can cause comorbidities thereby increasing the risk of other complications. Having RA can increase your risk of developing many other chronic health issues like cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, studies also noticed that RA can have a negative impact on your life expectancy. Even though its symptoms are manageable, it can affect different systems in your body. This condition is found to shorten the life expectancy of people by 3-10 years. So if you have this condition, it is important to treat it properly to avoid it affecting your lifespan.
RA And Life Expectancy
There can be several factors that affect the lifespan of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Some of the effects that RA can create to reduce the life expectancy of people suffering from it are listed below:
Your Immune System: Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that develops because of problems with your immune system. Therefore, it can weaken your immune system. Additionally, the drugs used to control this disease usually involve immunosuppressant drugs that are used to control the hyperactivity of the immune system. These drugs can also make your immune system weak. Therefore, people with RA can have a compromised immune system that can make them highly vulnerable to getting other health conditions. This can have an adverse impact on their lifespan.
Chronic Inflammation: RA can cause severe inflammation across your body including internal organs. The persistent inflammation can damage your tissues and cells thereby causing their destruction. This can be life-threatening if left unnoticed.
Duration Of RA: If you develop RA at a younger stage, then you will have to endure the symptoms caused by rheumatology diseases when compared to people who develop it in later stages. This can also reduce your life expectancy.
Untreated RA: RA can severely progress over time, especially, if left untreated. Therefore, it can affect your health and life in an adverse way.
Comorbidities: People with RA are found to develop many other ailments. This can also have a negative impact on their lifespan.
Therefore, if you have RA, make sure to get the right treatment. Additionally, it is important to adjust your lifestyle to prevent this condition from becoming worse.
