Rheumatoid Arthritis and Kidney Health: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you’re probably already familiar with how this autoimmune disease affects your joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. But did you know it can also impact other parts of your body, including your kidneys? It might sound a bit unexpected, but kidney problems are actually more common for people with RA than you might think.

In this article, we’ll chat about how RA affects kidney health, what you can do to manage both conditions, and some helpful tips for keeping your kidneys in check while dealing with RA.

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How Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect the Kidneys?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that not only affects your joints but also your immune system. This means that your body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues, including the ones in your kidneys. Over time, this can lead to kidney damage, especially if the RA isn’t well-managed.

One of the most common issues is that the medications used to treat RA can sometimes have side effects on kidney function. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example, are often used to reduce inflammation and pain in RA patients. However, long-term use of NSAIDs can be tough on the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney problems down the road.

Are You at Risk for Kidney Issues with RA?

If you’ve got rheumatoid arthritis, your risk of developing kidney problems can be higher than if you didn’t have RA. Here are a few things that can increase the risk:

Long-Term Inflammation: Chronic inflammation from RA can directly harm your kidneys over time.
Certain Medications: As we mentioned, medications like NSAIDs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) used to treat RA can be rough on kidney health, especially if taken for years.
Other Health Conditions: Having other conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, alongside RA can increase your chances of kidney disease, since both conditions can affect kidney function.

How to Protect Your Kidneys While Managing RA

1. Work Closely with Your Doctor

First and foremost, you want to make sure you’re working with a doctor who knows both RA and kidney health. They can help monitor your kidney function over time and adjust your medications if needed.

2. Be Cautious with Medications

Since some of the medications used to treat RA can affect kidney function, it’s important to have an open conversation with your doctor about the best options for you.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is key for kidney health. Aim for at least 8 cups a day, but check with your doctor for personalized recommendations.

What’s the Bottom Line?

Rheumatoid arthritis can definitely affect your kidneys, but with the right management, you can reduce your risk of kidney problems. With the right steps, you can keep both your joints and kidneys in tip-top shape!

Disclaimer

The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations regarding RA and kidney health.