[ad_1]
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term common disease that affects about 400,000 people in the UK.
It is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system is accidentally attacking the healthy lining of the joints.
The condition can lead to swelling, joint pain and hot, red skin in the affected areas.
You could also be at risk from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms if you have painful, red eyes, has been uncovered.
Some patients with rheumatoid arthritis develop painful, inflammatory red eyes, said the National Society of Rheumatoid Arthritis (NRAS).
It is caused by swelling in the white part of the eye – known as scleroderma.
The condition is known as scleritis and can cause it to wake up in patients with pain.
"Rheumatoid arthritis affects not only the joints but has an extra-articular [outside the joints] and events, "said NRAS.
"Approximately one quarter of people with rheumatoid arthritis have eye problems as a result. Impact and severity are worse with the longest duration of the disease.
"Less often, about one in 50 people with rheumatoid arthritis can develop a painful red eye because of the inflammation of the" white part of the eye "called hard.
"Scleritis is painful, often wakes the patient at night and potentially threatening the eyes.
"It requires immediate referral to the specific eye. The treatment is with oral steroids and / or steroid agents."
One of the most common eye reactions in rheumatoid arthritis is dry eyes.
Nearly half of all patients have dry eye, charity said. It makes the eyes feel uncomfortable, and as if there is sand trapped in the eye.
Symptoms are usually worse at night or after sleep and are aggravated when they are in air-conditioned rooms or cars.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at risk from some long-term medical conditions.
Widespread inflammation is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis and is likely to affect the lungs, heart, eyes and blood vessels.
Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms is critical, as timely treatment could reduce the risk of complications.
People at higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis include women and smokers.
Those with a family history of the condition could also be more likely to develop arthritis.
Source link