RA, or rheumatoid arthritis, is known as a collagen vascular disease. According to MedlinePlus, collagen vascular diseases are a group of diseases that affect the collagen that makes up the tendons, bones and connective tissues of the body. As in rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks healthy collagen structures and begins to destroy them. There are several diseases in the collagen vascular disease category.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or SLE, is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and other organs. Lupus is sometimes called the butterfly disease as it causes a butterfly-patterned rash over the cheeks and bridge of the nose. It affects more women then men and more African-Americans and Asians than Caucasians. Lupus usually presents between the ages of 10 and 50. Patients with lupus have unexplained fevers, joint pain and swelling, may suffer migraine headaches, mouth sores and a general feeling of fatigue and malaise. Lupus is treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids.
Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis is another collagen vascular disease caused by an autoimmune reaction. It is characterized by chronic muscle inflammation followed by muscle weakness. This disease commonly occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 15 and in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. As with most of the collagen vascular diseases, dermatomyositis affects more women than men. Symptoms include a rash, muscle weakness, possible difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath. Patients may find they have difficulty lifting their arms over their heads and may have unexplained fever and inflamed lungs. Dermatomyositis is treated with corticosteroids, and in severe cases, immunoglobulin.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma usually affects women between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. This disease is characterized by an abnormal buildup of collagen in the body, causing skin changes. Skin becomes hard and thick and may be abnormally dark or light. It can cause hair loss, as well as blanching of the skin in response to heat or cold, which is called Raynaud's phenomenon, and is specifically associated with scleroderma. Systemic scleroderma can cause joint pain, difficulty breathing and digestive tract problems such as gastroesophageal reflux and fecal incontinence. Treatment of scleroderma consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and in severe cases, methotrexate.
