Rarely, RA may affect the urinary tract and has different clinical presentations, such as urinary tract infections (UTI), urolithiasis, and even de-novo lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
In this survey of 247 patients, as many as 38% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 47% of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and even 34% of patients with soft tissue rheumatism (STR) reported difficulty controlling their urine, confirming that incontinence is a widespread and often under-reported problem.
The most common symptoms of reactive arthritis are inflammation in the joints, eyes, bladder and urethra (the tube that helps remove urine from the body). Sometimes, mouth sores and skin rashes may occur.
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.
Conclusions: Proteinuria is a frequent symptom of nephropathy in RA.
Many people who have reactive arthritis also develop eye inflammation (conjunctivitis). Urinary problems. Increased frequency and discomfort during urination may occur, as can inflammation of the prostate gland or cervix.
Research also shows RA patients have a higher risk of developing glomerulonephritis — an inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (called glomeruli), which can impair kidney function and lead to chronic kidney disease. Heart problems play a role as well.
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.
In cases of acute inflammation, for example UTI, the inflammatory mediators are released and cause urothelial injury and bladder wall irritation. These inflammatory changes are responsible for clinical manifestation of urgency, dysuria, frequency, nocturia, and fever.
These results show that recurrent urinary tract infection is significantly more common in women with rheumatoid arthritis and secondary Sjögren's syndrome. A local deficit in protective urinary mucosal secretion or other immune mechanisms may be responsible for this susceptibility.
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.
Analysis showed that urinary level of orosomucoid 2 in particular was an independent predictor of rheumatoid arthritis progression. The authors noted that the combination of urinary orosomucoid 2 and serum C-reactive protein “synergistically increased the predictability for radiographic progression.”
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.
Although signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis may resemble those of a chronic urinary tract infection, there's usually no infection. However, symptoms may worsen if a person with interstitial cystitis gets a urinary tract infection.
Interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a chronic bladder health issue. It is a feeling of pain and pressure in the bladder area. Along with this pain are lower urinary tract symptoms which have lasted for more than 6 weeks, without having an infection or other clear causes.
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.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis often develop gradually over several weeks, but some cases can progress quickly over a number of days. The symptoms vary from person to person. They may come and go, or change over time. You may experience flares when your condition deteriorates and your symptoms become worse.
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.
RA can shorten your life expectancy by an average of 10 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.
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.
“Most patients describe 'flare ups' as a sudden increase in pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints of the body,” she notes. Other common RA flare up symptoms include limited joint mobility along with severe fatigue and symptoms that mimic the flu. Note that your symptoms' frequency and severity may vary.