Research shows that people with RA are about 70% more likely to develop a gastrointestinal problem than people without RA. There are several culprits. While medication side effects are the most likely offender, an increased risk of infection or unchecked inflammation can also be the cause.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found people with RA report higher rates of stomach ulcers, bleeding, and esophagitis (inflammation and swelling of the esophagus) in the upper GI tract, and perforations (holes), bleeding, bowel inflammation, and infections in the lower GI tract.
Research shows patients with RA have a higher chance of developing conditions like IBS and other IBDs such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. On top of abdominal pain, you might also experience bloody stools, diarrhea, fatigue, and reduced appetite.
People with arthritis frequently experience issues with bladder and bowel control. Arthritis does not directly affect the bladder or bowel for most people. It is the loss of mobility and joint stiffness that prevents a person from being able to move quickly enough to get to the toilet on time and manage their clothing.
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.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you're at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is a general term that describes conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels, and it includes life-threatening problems such as heart attack and stroke.
“Dry eye is one of the most common complications of rheumatoid arthritis,” says Dr. Kumthekar. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis also have another autoimmune disease called Sjögren's syndrome, in which your immune system attacks moisture-producing cells like the salivary and tear glands, causing dry eye.
Signs Your RA Is Progressing
Flares that are intense or last a long time. Diagnosis at a young age, which means the disease has more time to become active in your body. Rheumatoid nodules -- bumps under your skin, often around your elbows. Active inflammation that shows up in tests of joint fluid or blood.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disorders, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, that cause an inflammation of the intestines. Approximately 7 to 20 percent of people with IBD develop arthritis, which typically affects the large joints of the lower extremities.
Over time, the inflammation can cause severe pain, diarrhea, and sometimes bloody stool. IBD symptoms come and go in episodes or flares. Because of the inflammation in your digestive system from IBD, your body cannot absorb all of the nutrients it needs.
Overexertion, poor sleep, stress or an infection like the flu can all set off RA symptoms. With a predictable flare you'll temporarily feel worse, but your symptoms will resolve in time. Unpredictable flares have more uncertainty associated with them.
Probiotics may be highly beneficial if you have inflammatory arthritis [38,39]. The good bacteria seem to provide an impact on the treatment, lowering common inflammatory indicators such as C-reactive protein (CRP).
In end-stage RA, people may still experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and mobility loss. There may be lower muscle strength. The joints may experience destruction, and the bones may fuse (ankylosis).
Possible causes are: The immune system responds incorrectly to environmental triggers, such as a virus or bacteria, which causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. There also appears to be a genetic component. Someone with a family history of IBD is more likely to develop this inappropriate immune response.
Leaky gut syndrome and other gastrointestinal problems could trigger flare-ups in diseases like RA, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
Functional incontinence is therefore the most commonly associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis, as it can cause mobility problems. This can result in people getting to the toilet too late.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a broad term that describes conditions characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two most common inflammatory bowel diseases are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Lower Middle Abdominal Pain
It primarily affects the rectum—the last few inches of the large intestine, which connects to the anus. Rectal pain comes from very low in the middle of the abdomen.
Stage 3 RA is considered severe because the damage extends from the cartilage to the bones, causing increased pain, swelling, mobility loss, and deformity. If left untreated, RA can reach stage 4, which is considered end stage RA. At this stage, the bones become fused, and the joints stop working.
The joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis is usually a throbbing and aching pain. It is often worse in the mornings and after a period of inactivity.
It's possible to live a long life with RA, but it is estimated that the disease can potentially reduce life expectancy by 3 to 10 years.
Lupus and Scleroderma
The autoimmune diseases systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma often present with joint involvement that mimics rheumatoid arthritis. While lupus and scleroderma are two different diseases, they often overlap with one another.
Systemic manifestations and complications of RA—including pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal involvements; glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteoporosis (GIOP); and infection—which have significant impacts on the disease outcomes, occur in approximately 40% of patients [2].
A high disease activity state, autoantibody positivity (RF and/or ACPA), and the early presence of joint damage are listed as poor prognostic factors.