SIMILARITIES
1. Both RA and SLE are caused by dysregulation of the body’s immune system known as autoimmunity.
2. Both can be managed effectively if recognised early and professional care is obtained by a Rheumatologist.
3. More women than men suffer with SLE and RA.
DIFFERENCES
RA and SLE are very different from each other. Let’s deal with then one at a time.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
1. RA damages joints and causes deformities.
2. It does not usually cause life threatening complications.
3. The disease may attacks the wrists, knees, fingers, feet and ankles.
4. It is usually manifested by the onset of weakness, fatigue, and morning stiffness that lasts for more than an hour. Patients affected of rheumatoid arthritis also complain of progressive loss of appetite and widespread muscle ache.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
1. SLE can cause life threatening complications.
2. It affects many parts of the body including the joints, skin, and internal organs.
3. A person usually develops a rash in the shape of a butterfly on the cheeks and across the bridge of the nose.
4. The symptoms of SLE also including fatigue, hair loss, inflammation of the kidney, mouth sores and loss of appetite.
5. People with lupus arthritis experience joint pain which is not associated with actual damage to the joint itself. In some cases, lupus patients don’t experience the swelling of joints.
6. Lupus arthritis (SLE) is treatable. SLE can be properly managed and treated when the treatment plan is followed strictly.
Feel free to post any queries in the Q&A Section, Twitter or my Facebook Page.
Related posts:
- Symptoms – All you wanted to know about Lupus/SLE (Part II)
- A future approach to Rheumatoid Arthritis in sight sooner than later
- Research proves relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Cardiovascular diseases and Smoking
- What is Rheumatic fever and how it is related to Rhuematoid Arthritis (RA)?
- Having been struck by a mystery illness, she could never imagine walking again
…