Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease that primarily affects joints but can also cause systemic symptoms, including fevers. Fevers in RA patients are a significant symptom that needs attention for better management and understanding of the condition.
A fever is typically defined as a body temperature at or above 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C). While not as common in RA compared to other autoimmune diseases, fevers still occur and are often a result of both acute and chronic inflammatory processes inherent in RA. These low-grade fevers can be early signs of rheumatoid arthritis, sometimes overlooked or attributed to other causes.
The primary cause of RA-related fevers is inflammation. In RA, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, particularly in the joints, leading to inflammation that can trigger fevers. This autoimmune response can cause varying degrees of fever in people with RA, often characterized as low-grade.
Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis often include fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. It usually starts affecting smaller joints initially, such as those in the hands and feet, and may later spread to larger joints. As the disease progresses, symptoms may extend to wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders.
Treatment for RA-related fevers typically involves managing the underlying inflammation and autoimmune response. This includes the use of immunosuppressants and other medications specifically targeting RA. It’s also crucial to monitor and address other symptoms of RA, including joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, which are often worse in the morning. Managing RA effectively can help reduce the occurrence of fevers and improve overall quality of life for those affected.
For more detailed information, refer to these resources:
Medical News Today
Healthline on Rheumatoid Arthritis Fevers
Verywell Health’s take on Rheumatoid Arthritis Fever
CreakyJoints discussing Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fever
myRAteam on Rheumatoid Arthritis Fevers
More on Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms from Healthline
Mayo Clinic on Rheumatoid Arthritis
CDC on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
