Yes, you can live a long life with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although on average the disease has been found to shorten lifespan by a few years. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease.

Do people with arthritis live as long?

RA can reduce a persons life expectancy by as much as 10 to 15 years, although many people live with their symptoms beyond the age of 80 or even 90 years. Factors affecting RA prognosis include a persons age, disease progression, and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and being overweight.

Will arthritis ruin my life?

Arthritis changes your life. For some people it may only be a small disruption but for many people getting diagnosed with a form of arthritis becomes a turning point in their lives, forever separating the years into “before” and “after” arthritis.

What is the average lifespan of someone with rheumatoid arthritis?

However, the widespread inflammation that characterizes the condition can lead to life-threatening complications. According to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network, a person with RA may have a lifespan that is approximately 10, or at most 15, years shorter than average.

What happens if arthritis is left untreated?

If some types of arthritis are left untreated, joint deformity and permanent damage to the joints may occur. Untreated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease, lung problems, and eye inflammation. Treatment may not be necessary for arthritis with minimal or no symptoms.

Is it hard to live with arthritis?

Arthritis is not easy to live with but there is much you can do to change, overcome, or cope with the problems it presents. Your doctor and other members of your health care team can recommend medications, special exercises, joint protection techniques and devices and other self-care activities.

Why do I have so much arthritis?

Normal wear and tear causes OA, one of the most common forms of arthritis. An infection or injury to the joints can exacerbate this natural breakdown of cartilage tissue. Your risk of developing OA may be higher if you have a family history of the disease.

Do immunosuppressants shorten lifespan?

Thymectomy, splenectomy or cortisone treatment did not alter survival. All immunosuppressive treatments enhanced mortality due to non-neoplastic diseases, however, only a small percentage of animals die with these disease entities.

What organs are affected by arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

What is the root cause of arthritis?

What causes arthritis? Cartilage is a firm but flexible connective tissue in your joints. It protects the joints by absorbing the pressure and shock created when you move and put stress on them. A reduction in the normal amount of this cartilage tissue cause some forms of arthritis.

How do I know if RA is affecting my lungs?

The lung problems most often linked to rheumatoid arthritis include: Scarring within the lungs. Scarring related to long-term inflammation (interstitial lung disease) may cause shortness of breath, a chronic dry cough, fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite. Lung nodules.

What is the treatment for rheumatoid lung disease?

The following treatments may be effective to those ends: More aggressive RA treatment to help reduce symptoms. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants to combat inflammation. Oxygen therapy to aid lung function and increase blood oxygen levels.