If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, you should also know about: Rheumatoid Vasculitis

If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you probably already know how challenging it is to live with the pain. But did you know that there is another rare, but sometimes serious condition that can be caused by this arthritis? That's what we're talking about today. It's called Rheumatoid Vasculitis . Don't worry, we'll talk about it in a simple way that you can understand.

What is Rheumatoid Vasculitis?

Simply put, Rheumatoid Vasculitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of your blood vessels. This is caused by your existing rheumatoid arthritis condition.

Let's break this down a little more:

• Vasculitis: This refers to inflammation of your blood vessels. Think of the blood vessels throughout our bodies as a network of water pipes. Blood flows through these pipes. In vasculitis, the walls of these pipes become inflamed, which blocks the flow of blood.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: You know this one. What happens is that our body's own immune system mistakenly attacks our own joints.
• Autoimmune Disease: Both of the above diseases fall into this category. Simply put, it's like the army that's supposed to protect our country mistakenly attacks our own people. The immune system, which is supposed to protect our body, starts attacking our own healthy cells.

So, in Rheumatoid Vasculitis, what happens is that the immune system, which is disrupted by rheumatoid arthritis, starts attacking not only the joints, but also the blood vessels.

How common is this condition?

This is actually a very rare condition. So don't be alarmed by reading this. Not only in Sri Lanka, but in the world, very few people have this disease.

In the past, this condition was quite common among rheumatoid arthritis patients. But now, because there are more advanced and effective treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, the incidence of rheumatoid vasculitis has decreased significantly. That's really good news.

This condition is most commonly seen in people over the age of 50 who have been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for a long time.

What are the symptoms? How do we recognize this?

The symptoms of this condition can vary from person to person. However, there are some common symptoms as well as some more serious symptoms. Let's look at these in an easy-to-understand way.

Who is at higher risk for this condition?

Although anyone with rheumatoid arthritis can develop this, some people are at a slightly higher risk. Let's take a look at who they are.

Complications that may occur if left untreated

These are very rare and only occur if treatment is not done properly.

• Necrosis: Death of tissue in the affected area of ​​skin due to loss of blood supply.
• Heart attacks: If the vessels that supply blood to the heart are affected.
• Strokes: Affect the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.

Rather than being afraid of these things, it is more important to seek medical advice as soon as symptoms appear. This can help prevent such serious conditions.

How do you find this, Doctor?

Your doctor will first examine you carefully and ask about your symptoms. It is important for him to know how long you have had rheumatoid arthritis and what medications you are taking.

Then, several tests can be done to confirm the disease:

• Blood tests: Find out about the body's level of inflammation and immune system function.
• Biopsy: This is the best way to confirm the disease. A small sample of skin or other affected tissue is taken and examined under a microscope to see if there is inflammation in the blood vessels.
• Angiogram: This is a type of X-ray. A special dye is injected into the blood vessels to look for blockages or damage to the blood vessels.
• Other scans: CT scans, MRI scans, etc. can be done as needed.

You will probably need to see a rheumatologist.

What are the treatments?

There are two main goals of treatment. One is to control symptoms, and the other is to prevent damage to blood vessels and internal organs.

1. Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis: In most cases, when your RA treatment is intensified and the disease is well controlled, the Rheumatoid Vasculitis will also be controlled. Therefore, you may need to talk to your doctor about your current medication and make any necessary changes.

2. Specific medications: In addition to medications given for RA, you may need to be given medications specific to this condition.

• Corticosteroids: These are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. Medications like Prednisolone quickly reduce swelling in blood vessels.
• Immunosuppressants or Biologics: These work by controlling an overactive immune system.

How to live with this situation?

This is a long-term condition. This means that even if you don't have symptoms, you will still need to be under the doctor's care.

• Go for regular medical checkups: Go to clinics on time as prescribed by your doctor. Get things like blood tests done.
• Be aware of symptoms: Pay attention to any new changes in your body, or if you feel your symptoms are getting worse.
• Follow the treatment plan exactly as your doctor prescribes. If you feel like a medication isn't working, talk to your doctor about it.

After years of battling rheumatoid arthritis, it can be disconcerting to learn that you have another condition. But remember, your doctor is there to help you. By talking openly with him or her, you can make any necessary changes to your RA treatment plan.

Listen to your body. Don't be afraid to tell your doctor about any new or changing symptoms you notice. The best way to avoid complications is to stay under proper medical supervision.