Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that can negatively affect your joints and other organs. The immune system of the body misidentifies the body’s tissue as a foreign invader in rheumatoid arthritis. The immune system responds by attacking the tissue that lines the joints. As a result, your joints enlarge, stiffen, and hurt. Inflammation and damage to other organs such as the lungs, heart, eyes, and blood vessels may also result from the body’s misfiring immune system.
Anemia is a Latin word that means bloodlessness. When your bone marrow produces fewer red blood cells than your body requires, it is called anemia. Throughout the body, RBC transports oxygen. The body runs out of oxygen when there are fewer of these cells circulating. Anemia can reduce the amount of hemoglobin produced by the bone marrow. Red blood cells need iron-rich protein to transport oxygen throughout the body.
Connection Between Anemia And Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chronic inflammatory anemia and iron deficiency anemia are two kinds of anemia that can be linked to RA. The formation of RBCs in your bone marrow might be slowed by chronic inflammation. This can trigger the release of proteins that have an impact on the body’s iron use. Inflammation can also impact how erythropoietin, a hormone that regulates RBC synthesis, is produced in the body.
Treating RA-Related Anemia
Your doctor can begin treating your anemia once they have determined the cause. One strategy to treat anemia caused by RA is to treat the RA itself by reducing inflammation. Iron supplements can help those with low iron levels, but too much iron can cause major health issues.
Erythropoietin, a medication that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, is rarely used. Your heart has to pump more blood throughout the body because there isn’t enough oxygen in it. Untreated anemia can result in an irregular heartbeat or, in the worst-case scenario, a heart attack.
Final Thoughts
Managing rheumatology symptoms could significantly reduce the risk of developing anemia. When you are suffering from chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to see your doctor for routine checkups. Anemia is a relatively simple condition to address. Prompt therapy can help to prevent anemia-related symptoms, such as significant cardiac problems. Seeking immediate rheumatology treatment is very essential for improving your quality of life.
