How does rheumatoid arthritis cause anemia

Publication types Review Systematic Review. Substances Erythropoietin Iron. Learn more about how RA affects the…. Actemra, which treats certain types of arthritis and more, can cause side effects such as weight gain. Learn about the side effects and how to manage…. Rheumatoid arthritis RA is an autoimmune condition that affects joints, including the knees. Learn how RA affects the knees and what potential…. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis JRA typically starts during childhood, and it can present with a rash.

Learn more about JRA and its symptoms here. How does rheumatoid arthritis cause anemia? Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. What's the link? Anemia Diagnosis Treatment Outlook Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the lining of the joints.

How are rheumatoid arthritis and anemia connected? Share on Pinterest Cold hands can be a symptom of anemia. Symptoms of anemia. Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis-related anemia? Treating rheumatoid arthritis-related anemia.

Share on Pinterest Some prescription medications for rheumatoid arthritis can also help with anemia. Latest news Could 'cupping' technique boost vaccine delivery? Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.

With fewer of these cells circulating, the body becomes starved for oxygen. Anemia can also cause bone marrow to make less hemoglobin. The iron-rich protein enables red blood cells to carry oxygen through the blood.

RA can be associated with different types of anemia, including anemia of chronic inflammation and iron deficiency anemia. When you have an RA flare-up , the immune response causes inflammation in the joints and other tissues. Chronic inflammation can lower the production of red blood cells in your bone marrow.

This can lead to the release of certain proteins that affect how the body uses iron. Inflammation can also affect the way the body produces erythropoietin, a hormone that controls the production of red blood cells. In short, yes. Bleeding ulcers and gastritis in the stomach and digestive tract can be caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs such as:. This causes blood loss, resulting in anemia.

If your anemia is severe enough, it may be treated with a blood transfusion. This will boost both your red blood cell count and your iron levels.

NSAIDs can also damage the liver, where iron from the food you eat is stored and released for later use. Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs DMARDs , including biologics, may also cause liver damage and anemia. If you take medications to treat your RA, your doctor will require you to take blood tests at regular intervals.

Treatment of the anaemia consists merely of antirheumatic treatment. Iron administration is counterproductive since iron chelators or exogenous erythropoietin administration might increase erythropoiesis. Abstract The pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of the anaemia of chronic disorders ACD in rheumatoid arthritis RA were reviewed.