How does rheumatoid arthritis affect the gut and digestive system?
Rheumatoid arthritis can impact your digestive system in several ways. People with RA are about 70 percent more likely to experience gastrointestinal problems than those without the condition.
The connection works both ways - gut health may influence RA Show Full Answer
How does rheumatoid arthritis affect the gut and digestive system?
Rheumatoid arthritis can impact your digestive system in several ways. People with RA are about 70 percent more likely to experience gastrointestinal problems than those without the condition.
The connection works both ways - gut health may influence RA development, and RA can affect digestive function.
Key ways RA affects the gut:
- Chronic inflammation from RA can target the digestive tract, causing bloating, stomach pain, and other GI symptoms
- People with RA often have gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut bacteria that may contribute to digestive issues
- RA medications like NSAIDs and corticosteroids commonly cause stomach problems, including bloating, pain, diarrhea, and constipation
- Long-term NSAID use can cause ulcers and intestinal permeability in up to 70 percent of users
The gut-RA connection:
Research shows that gut bacteria imbalances may actually trigger the immune response leading to RA. People with RA tend to have less diverse gut microbiomes and different bacterial compositions than healthy individuals.
Some RA medications like methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine may actually help restore gut health by increasing microbiome diversity.
If you're experiencing digestive symptoms, discuss them with your doctor early - treating these issues promptly can prevent them from worsening.
April 10
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