Is scleroderma a type of artritis?

we are concern because we were told we have a type of artritis which weakens the muscles in my esophagus and we can't find any type or diseaes except this. if anyone knows of an artritis which affects the esophagus muscles please let me know asap.

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses which occur when the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune system. Scleroderma is characterized by the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and organs of the body. This leads to thickness and firmness of involved areas. Scleroderma is also referred to as systemic sclerosis.

I dont know if there's an atritis that affects the esophagus muscle but i know that there's a disease known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease it is also called GERD. GERD occurs when the lower muscle of the esophagus does not close properly. The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach. This makes the stomach acid and food in the stomach reflux (back up) into the esophagus. When the acid irritates and damages the esophagus, it may cause a burning feeling called heartburn. The muscle in the lower esophagus is called the lower esophageal sphincter.

Scleroderma is a rheumatic disease which should be treated with antibiotics and antiinflammatory medications.

Scleroderma can be deadly.

NSAIDs like Voltaren, COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex, acetaminophen like Tylenol, and codeine are all used to relieve the pain of scleroderma.

Regular exercise like walking, biking and swimming are also helpful for most patients.

Scleroderma patients should consult an Orthopaedist or a Rheumatologist who will order blood tests, joint scans and X-Rays.

Are there any other cases of arthritis, scleroderma or rheumatic diseases among your relatives? Scleroderma is usually prevalent in families where a defective gene is passed on by parents to their children.

There are a few hundred types of rheumatic diseases. The good news is that science is progressing rapidly in its understanding of rheumatic diseases.

Antibiotics are now used to achieve full remissions for at least 65% of patients with scleroderma. For more info, please join our group at:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ant...

scleroderma has the symptoms of arthritis but is a complex disease on its own. it is considered a rheumatic disease as lupus and RA. it affects your esophagus through the skin hardening and thus making it harder to swallow foods. some suffer from this illness internally and others show signs externally.

it took a whole year for a Dr to diagnose me. see a rheumatologist who can determine if this is the cause.

if you have more ?'s feel free to email me.

it is a type of inflammatory rheumatic condition.