5. Gastrointestinal Issues: Constipation

On the other hand, the colon’s weak wall or scarred muscles may cause some difficulties for the bowel to work properly, which can lead to constipation.

6. Lung Involvement

A wide range of factors may cause lung involvement in systemic scleroderma. Symptoms of lung involvement may include shortness of breath, a persistent cough and an intolerance to exercise.

Thickening of the lung tissue, fibrosis or scarring may happen due to collagen overproduction of collagen which makes it more difficult for the oxygen to travel into the bloodstream. Also, the weakening of respiratory muscles can impact lung function.

The damaged blood vessels may cause pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and may result in additional strain on the heart resulting in heart failure.

MORE: 10 parts of the body affected by scleroderma