Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues occurs. It is able to impact on numerous areas of the body such as the inner organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, as well as the gut. It is important to know the complications and prognosis of scleroderma to treat the disease and enhance the quality of life.
What Complications Can Scleroderma Cause?
Since scleroderma can affect multiple organs, its complications vary depending on which parts of the body are involved. Here are some of the common complications:
1. Skin Problems
Thick tightened skin is one of the most evident manifestations of scleroderma. In the long run, the skin might become rigid to the extent of limited movement, particularly in the areas of the fingers and face. It can be difficult to open the mouth completely or flex the fingers and this can influence the daily activities.
2. Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Raynaud phenomenon is also common among many scleroderma patients. This is the period when small blood vessels in fingers and toes respond to cold or stress by making the skin white, then bluish and then red again as blood is restored back to the body. There are cases where extreme Raynauds may result in the sore or ulcer of the fingers.
3. Digestive System Issues
Scleroderma may lead to digestive tract problems. The esophagus can also be rigid causing difficulty in swallowing and in acid reflux. This may also extend to the intestines causing bloating, diarrhea or constipation. This risk may cause nutritional deficiency in the long run due to poor digestion.
4. Lung Complications
Among the more severe complications is one that is related to the lungs. Scleroderma may lead to pulmonary fibrosis scarring of lung airway that makes breathing difficult as well as pulmonary hypertension or high blood pressure in the lung arteries. Both of them decrease oxygen levels and may cause shortness of breath and fatigue.
How Does Prognosis Vary with Scleroderma?
The outlook or prognosis for someone with scleroderma depends on several factors, including the type of scleroderma, how many organs are involved, and how early treatment begins.
Types Matter
Scleroderma is of two major types namely limited cutaneous and diffuse cutaneous. Limited cutaneous scleroderma is predominantly found in the skin of the hands, arms, and face and it has a slow course. Diffuse cutaneous scleroderma involves both bigger parts of the skin and other inner organs, and usually requires a more severe course.
Organ Involvement
Scleroderma may be more serious when it involves other essential body organs, such as lungs, heart, and kidneys. In particular, lung and kidney complications are associated with the increased risks and should be closely monitored and managed.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis and managing symptoms can improve the prognosis for many people. For example, treating Raynaud’s and controlling blood pressure helps prevent serious complications. Medications can also slow the progression of lung fibrosis and improve quality of life.
Individual Variation
Because scleroderma symptoms and severity vary widely between individuals, it's hard to predict the exact course for each person. Some may have mild symptoms that remain stable for years, while others experience more rapid progression.
Living with Scleroderma
Treatment of scleroderma is a life-long process that may require the involvement of several healthcare providers. Therapy aims at symptom management, complex prevention and functional preservation. Changes in lifestyle, including cold protection to minimize the attacks of Raynaud, having small frequent meals to enhance the digestion process, and physical therapy to ensure that the joints remain mobile are beneficial.
Regulation and periodic examination of organ involvement is important because the complications may occur over time. Patients will be motivated to report early signs of symptoms to enable changes to the treatment.
