The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder associated with inflammation in various regions of the body.  Although the condition is thought to only affect the joints, it has the potential to make an impact on other parts of the body as well.  More importantly, rheumatoid arthritis has the capability of damaging regions within the body such as the skin, lungs, eyes, and heart, as well as blood vessels. The disorder, which has been classified as an autoimmune disorder, affects the inner lining of joints, which results in pain-filled swelling.  As the disorder worsens, it can even lead to bone erosion and deformation in the joints.