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

How long does someone live with rheumatoid arthritis?

In general, it is possible for RA to reduce life expectancy by around 10 to 15 years. However, many people continue to live with their symptoms past the age of 80 or even 90 years.

What do RA patients die from?

The autopsy was performed in 56.6%. The most common causes of death in RA patients were infectious diseases (20.5%), respiratory diseases (16%, mainly interstitial pneumonia and chronic obstructive lung diseases), and gastrointestinal diseases (14.7% chiefly perforation or bleeding of peptic ulcer).

Is RA a fatal disease?

RA itself is not fatal, but complications of the disease may shorten survival by years in some individuals. In general, RA is progressive and cannot be cured, but in some patients, the disease gradually becomes less aggressive, and symptoms may even improve.

How bad can rheumatoid arthritis get?

Because RA is a progressive disease, symptoms typically get worse. If left untreated, it can cause severe damage to the joints and serious complications in the major organs. However, there are a number of effective treatments, and proper treatment is critical to managing the progression of RA.

What is RA lung?

Rheumatoid lung disease is a group of lung problems related to rheumatoid arthritis. The condition can include: Blockage of the small airways (bronchiolitis obliterans) Fluid in the chest (pleural effusions)

How do you beat RA fatigue?

Start with these tips to help you manage chronic RA fatigue and regain energy.Talk to your doctor about controlling RA inflammation. Kick-start your exercise routine. Nix the naps. Try assistive devices. Consider cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Ask your doctor about medications for fatigue.10 Jan 2020