Condiciones coexistentes
"Co-Existing" Conditions can include both dual diagnosis (or more) of similar diseases as well as conditions (like heart disease) that can occur as part of the disease, or as a result of uncontrolled inflammation.
Our diseases are complex. Some of the diseases include organ involvement as a common feature (for example lungs in sarcoidosis or eyes with sjogren's disease), while others may impact organs if the inflammation becomes more aggressive (eyes in rheumatoid arthritis, heart with many of our conditions). Either way, these "co-existing" conditions usually require additional therapy and specialists.
As one of our amazing volunteers, Kerry, says, "I have autoimmune soup," as it's not uncommon to be diagnosed with more than one of our conditions. Sometimes it's due to misdiagnosis or re-diagnosis, but at times it's a result of inflammation that is finding its way into other parts of the body.
"Co-Existing" Conditions is different than having more than one condition that are unrelated to one another (for example, psoriatic arthritis and asthma). These are called "multi-morbidities". It's important for health professionals to know about other diagnoses and treatments to help you best manage your AiArthritis disease.
These AiArthritis resources are designed to help you navigate the complexities of managing multiple diagnoses, organ involvement, or complications that may occur.
Recursos para algunas afecciones coexistentes
Cardiovascular Risk
Studies show that individuals with AiArthritis diseases are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to develop cardiovascular (heart) disease compared to the general population.
This resource post highlights the crucial link between autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis diseases and the increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Based largely from what we have learned by attending the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) & EULAR rheumatology conferences annually through our
"Go With Us!" to Conferences program, we have compiled a resource that explains how chronic inflammation and other risk factors can impact heart health.
Organ Involvement
Download this resource to gain a deeper understanding of how autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis can impact various organs, not just the joints.
In this AiArthritis Voices 360 Talk Show Episode, we explore some examples of organ involvement such as eyes, heart, gastrointestinal, and kidneys, as well as a newer autoimmune disease, IgG4, which has been tied to many AiArthritis diseases. Check out the episode using the link above and download the associated resource below.
Associated Conditions
On our Disease List page, we have included a comprehensive section that highlights some of the most common conditions associated with various diseases. This section serves as an invaluable resource for understanding how certain diseases may be interconnected and can help patients and their families to recognize potential complications or related health issues. By providing detailed information on these associated conditions, we aim to enhance awareness and encourage proactive health management for those affected.
Featured Projects on Co-Existing Conditions
Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) Education
MAS is a massive inflammatory response that overwhelms the whole body, including organs. MAS is most common in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still's Disease (AOSD) (also known as Still's Disease) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Check out our MAS page for information, resources, and patient stories.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Education
Living with an AiArthritis disease means being aware of how it can affect not just your joints, but other parts of your body too—like your lungs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a condition that can develop in people with AiArthritis diseases, where the tissues in your lungs become inflamed and scarred.
Talk Show Episodes For Juggling Co-Existing Conditions
Managing autoimmune or autoinflammatory arthritis diseases alongside multiple co-existing conditions can be particularly challenging, often adding layers of complexity to your healthcare journey. While it’s essential to coordinate with your healthcare team, our AiArthritis Voices360 Talk Show—led BY PATIENTS—offers valuable perspectives and support from those who are also navigating life with multiple health conditions.
We have selected some episodes we think may help you manage your journey with multiple conditions:
"Complicated Comorbidities"
Our hosts, Leila Lagandaon and Michael Guadalupe were on site in Austin, Texas at the Rheumatology Nurses Society Annual Conference.
Discover what they learned about comorbidities in this mini "Go With Us" episode.
"Go With Us!" to Conferences: Get all the latest research and education about disease complexities by signing up to "go with us" to the biggest research conferences each year
Mental Health is a Priority
Mental health awareness is crucial in autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis because the chronic pain, fatigue, and unpredictability of these diseases can significantly impact emotional well-being. Addressing mental health alongside physical symptoms ensures a more holistic approach to treatment, improving overall quality of life for patients.
If you are wondering where to start with treating your mental health, download our patient-designed guidance below. Also, check out check out Episode 98 of our AiArthritis Voices 360 Talk Show, "Mental Health & AiArthritis Diseases".
More Episodes of the AiArthritis Voices Talkshow
In this episode of AiArthritis Voices , patient co-hosts Tiffany Westrich-Robertson and Simon Stones discuss the prevalence and logistics of living with multiple conditions. Most health systems have moved away from a model where General Practitioners/Primary Care Physicians are managing all aspects of patient care to a model that places more emphasis on specialists and a depth of expertise in a specific disease. The downside to this is it has created a system where patients must be their own Care Coordinators, yet most have no experience or understanding of how to do this. What can be done to change the system? What can you do in the meantime to ensure that your health is not slipping through the cracks?
¿Cuáles son algunas de las comorbilidades comunes asociadas con las enfermedades autoinmunes de la artritis? ¿Y cómo podrían afectarle?
En este episodio, Tiffany hablará sobre cómo la enfermedad puede afectar a diferentes órganos y la diferencia entre que un órgano forme parte de una enfermedad y que sea una comorbilidad. Tiffany explorará algunos ejemplos de órganos afectados por diversas enfermedades, como los ojos, el corazón, el sistema gastrointestinal y los riñones, así como una enfermedad autoinmune más reciente, la IgG4, que se diagnostica con frecuencia en pacientes que padecen artritis autoinmune.
Tune in to the latest episode of AiArthritis Voices 360 Talk Show, where your co-hosts Leila, Deb, and Kerry candidly share their personal journeys of undergoing surgery while living with AiArthritis diseases. In this episode, the co-hosts delve into their surgical experiences, including the pivotal surgeries they've had due to their conditions. From Deb's journey triggered by a bunion removal to Kerry's hip replacement due to the complex interplay of autoimmune conditions or Leila’s gastric sleeve surgery due to weight gain from treatments, the trio reflects on the unexpected intersections of surgeries and AiArthritis diseases.
In this episode, co-hosts Charis Hill and Jae Walker delve into life after COVID-19, focusing on the unique challenges faced by individuals with AiArthritis diseases. They discuss the importance of continued precautions in healthcare settings, share their own personal experiences, and offer practical advice for staying safe. Tune in for an insightful conversation on navigating a post-COVID world while managing chronic illnesses.
Information on Co-Existing Conditions with AiArthritis Diseases
Here, you will discover articles designed to assist you throughout every stage of the patient journey. We have carefully chosen these resources to help those with AiArthritis diseases understand and navigate co-existing conditions.
Más información sobre afecciones coexistentes
Share Your Story & Get Involved!
Sometimes the best medicine is diving in to learn more, meeting those who have similar lived experiences, and doing activities that can help to improve your health and the
AiArthritis community!
Share Your Story:
Tu historia sobre afecciones coexistentes es única y potencialmente puede ayudarnos a ayudar a otros pacientes. Cuéntanos sobre tu experiencia y cuándo surgieron tus afecciones coexistentes. ¿Qué te gustaría que otros pacientes supieran sobre... vivir con condiciones coexistentesLos problemas que usted identifique como paciente pueden ayudarnos a crear soluciones personalizadas.