Can you have rheumatoid arthritis and lupus?

Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are both autoimmune conditions in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation in the body. They share some symptoms, and it is possible to have both lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

What autoimmune diseases are in the lupus family?

Common diseases that overlap with lupus

• Autoimmune thyroid disease.
• Celiac disease.
• Myasthenia gravis.
• Antiphospholipid syndrome.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Polymyositis.
• Dermatomyositis.
• Scleroderma.

Which is more serious lupus or RA?

There are many differences between lupus and RA. For instance, lupus might affect your joints, but it’s more likely to affect your internal organs and your skin than RA. Lupus can also cause life-threatening complications. These may include kidney failure, clotting problems, or seizures, which are not symptoms of RA.

Is lupus classified as a disability?

For Social Security’s purposes, lupus qualifies as a disability when it meets these conditions: It involves two or more organs or body systems. It includes at least two major signs or symptoms, such as severe fatigue, fever, malaise, and involuntary weight loss.

Are lupus and RA similar?

The most obvious similarity between RA and lupus is joint pain. Joint swelling is another common symptom, though the levels of inflammation can vary. Both diseases can cause your joints to become hot and tender, but this is more pronounced in RA. Lupus and RA affect your energy levels as well.

What does a rheumatologist do for lupus?

Rheumatologists are the doctors who specialize in treating diseases of the joints and muscles, like lupus. If you have at least four of the criteria on the list, either at the present time or at some time in the past, there is a strong chance that you have lupus.