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Though rheumatoid arthritis is not a fatal condition, the symptoms may be severe enough to reduce quality of life and the survival rate of some patients. Thanks to progress in the field of research and medicine, the overall treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has improved significantly.

Certain symptoms of this debilitating condition can be slowed down and the risk of deformities of the bones and ligaments can be reduced as well. However, for these new medical techniques and treatments to be successful, early detection is imperative.

On the whole, living with rheumatoid arthritis can be a challenge. As the disease progresses, joints can become swollen and movements may become impossible. Apart from joint pain and damage to the ligaments, this autoimmune disease can affect the eyes, heart, lungs, and blood vessels as well. Psychological problems associated with the disease may include depression and anxiety. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause the following long-term complications:

• Peripheral neuropathy is one of the main neurological complications of rheumatoid arthritis.  The nerves in the hands and feet suffer from a persistent feeling of numbness and tingling.
• Anemia, caused by a decrease in the number of blood cells, causes symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, and breathing difficulties
• Scleritis - Inflammation of the lining of the eyes may lead to loss of vision if not treated properly or in time.
• Sjogren's syndrome - A condition that affects the lacrimal glands that produce tears in the eyes. This can lead to a gritty feeling in the eyes and may lead to eye infections and damaged vision.
• Higher risk of infections especially if the patient is being treated with immunosuppressive drugs.
• Skin conditions such as skin rashes, ulcers, and blisters.
• Lumps of tissue known as rheumatoid nodules may also develop on the elbows, heels, fingers, arms, lungs, and heart.
• Osteoporosis is one of the more severe complications of rheumatoid arthritis. This is prevalent in post-menopausal women and men above the age of 60 who have rheumatoid arthritis
• Vasculitis - An abnormal inflammation of different organs in the body. This condition can manifest itself in the form of mouth ulcers, lung damage and inflammation of the arteries
• Pericarditis or the inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the heart can affect the proper functioning of the heart
• Myocarditis or the inflammation of the heart muscle is possible, though rare
• Increased risk of cancers such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Periodontal Disease
• Chronic lung diseases
• Kidney damage
• Pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk for premature birth

References

• http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/how_serious_rheumatoid_arthritis_000048_5.htm#ixzz2FaAWEN6o