What is the difference between lupus and rheumatoid arthritis

This is especially true early on in both diseases when there are few symptoms. To be diagnosed with systemic lupus, you must meet at least four of the following diagnostic criteria :.

To be diagnosed with RA, you must get at least six points on the RA classifications scale. The scale is:. Comorbidity refers to having more than one disease at the same time.

This is also known as overlap disease. People with lupus and people with RA can have symptoms of other conditions. There is no cure for lupus, but treatment can help you manage your symptoms. Many people with lupus take corticosteroids and other prescription drugs to treat joint inflammation and pain.

Others might need medication to treat skin rashes, heart disease, or kidney problems. Sometimes a combination of several drugs works best. People with rheumatoid arthritis can get cortisone shots to control the inflammation. Sometimes, patients might need a knee or hip replacement later in life because the joint becomes too deformed. Many medications are available to control symptoms and prevent joint damage. People with both lupus and RA will need to make a long-term plan with their doctors.

This plan will include ways to help control the inflammation and pain. It will also help you minimize the complications of lupus and RA. Medically reviewed by Brenda B. Spriggs, M. About lupus About rheumatoid arthritis Symptoms comparison Main differences Specific symptoms Causes Treatments Misdiagnosis Contacting a doctor Summary Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are both autoimmune conditions in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation in the body.

What is SLE? What is RA? What are the specific symptoms of each condition? Causes and risk factors. How are the conditions treated? Why are the conditions sometimes misdiagnosed? When to contact a doctor. Lupus Rheumatoid Arthritis. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Lupus pictures and symptoms.

Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Rheumatoid arthritis RA : Prognosis. Race to End Lupus. Advocate with Us. Legislative Successes. Spread Awareness. Get Local Support. Join Our Support Community. Shareable Toolkit. Sign Up for Emails. Tell Your Story. Media Relations. Contact Us. Annual Report. National Lupus Partners Network. How lupus differs from arthritis. General arthritis vs.

The inflammatory process Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system is very active and has trouble moderating itself, leading to widespread inflammation in the bloodstream.

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