Rheumatoid Arthritis Related Anemia

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is commonly known as an autoimmune, systemic disease that affects the joints of a human, which causes the natural immune system of the body to see the tissue in the body as a foreign body. The resultant effect of this mistake is an attack on the tissues that line the joint, ultimately leading to swelling, stiffness, and joint pains.

Anemia

Anemia, in Latin, is referred to a state of bloodlessness. This condition occurs when the bone marrow is unable to produce a significant amount of red blood cells that are needed by the body. Red blood cells, as we know, carry oxygen around the body, so when these cells are limited in circulation, the body becomes deprived of oxygen.

How are rheumatoid arthritis and anemia Related?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is linked to anemia of different types such as those of chronic inflammation and iron deficiency.

When the autoimmune system responds to Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rise, it causes an inflammation in joints and other delicate tissues. In the case of chronic inflammation, the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow may be reduced, which can lead to the discharge of some proteins that may have an adverse effect on the usage of iron in the body.

Inflammation can also have an effect on the way the body produces a hormone called erythropoietin, which is responsible for controlling the production of red blood cells in the body.


Treatment of RA-related Anemia

Anemia is best treated when your doctor or physician diagnoses the cause, then he can commence treatment. A good way of treating RA-related anemia is to focus on treating the RA by means of reducing the inflammation in the body.

Those who have low iron levels can consider taking iron supplements. Nevertheless, too much intake can result in other medical problems.

Lastly, a drug known as erythropoietin can also be used to induce the production of additional red blood cells in the bone marrow. However, erythropoietin is not commonly used by people.

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