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.

Can you live a long life with rheumatoid arthritis?

RA can shorten your life expectancy by as much as 10 to 15 years compared to people who don’t have the disease. But people with RA are living longer than ever before. Though the disease may still affect life expectancy, it doesn’t have as much impact as it did in the past.

Is rheumatoid arthritis a terminal illness?

Rheumatoid arthritis is not fatal, but complications of the disease shorten life span by a few years in some individuals. Although generally rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured, the disease gradually becomes less aggressive and symptoms may even improve.

Does rheumatoid arthritis cause early death?

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can face a higher risk of premature death as well as serious complications if the inflammation resulting from RA isn’t well-controlled. In addition to increased mortality rates, RA can cause poorer heart health when it’s not managed correctly.

What happens when RA attacks the 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.

What is the main cause of rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means it’s caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue. However, it’s not yet known what triggers this. Your immune system normally makes antibodies that attack bacteria and viruses, helping to fight infection.

How do I know if RA is affecting my lungs?

Is RA a death sentence?

Inflammatory arthritis is not a death sentence “Don’t panic,” says RA patient Rhonda Hall. It’s hard not to, because if you Google “RA and life expectancy,” you’re going to freak yourself out. It’s true that there are articles that claim RA can shorten your life by an average of 10 to 15 years.

How does rheumatoid arthritis kill you?

RA can attack the lungs in a similar way to the heart, inflaming the lining, or causing nodules. The pleurisy and the scarring both can be life threatening. Rheumatoid Arthritis patients sometimes die from infections because the treatments suppress the immune system. Heart attack and heart disease risk is much higher.

Can rheumatoid arthritis kill you?

Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis That Can Kill You. 1. Cardiovascular Disease. One of the most common effects of RA is an increased risk of contracting cardiovascular disease. In fact, this is the leading cause of death among patients who suffer from RA.

What are the long term effects of rheumatoid arthritis?

Long-term Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Aside from the swelling and the pain it brings to the joint, it can also affect other body parts like the blood, nerves, eyes, heart, skin and even the heart. This effect of Rheumatoid Arthritis makes the actual illness worse. Some people have this disease for only a few months or a year or two.

What is the life expectancy of someone with Ra?

Researchers have not been able to pinpoint an exact life expectancy for people with RA. But in general, people with RA can expect a shortened lifespan of an average of 10 years.