Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that not only affects the joints but can also impact various body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. As an autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

RA is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, leading to inflammation (painful swelling) in various parts of the body, primarily affecting the joints, such as those in the hands, wrists, and knees. The health effects of RA can be extensive, impacting various organs:

Eyes: RA can cause dryness, pain, inflammation, redness, sensitivity to light, and vision problems.
Mouth: Symptoms include dryness, gum inflammation, irritation, or infection.
Skin: The development of rheumatoid nodules—small lumps under the skin over bony areas.
Lungs: RA can lead to inflammation and scarring, causing shortness of breath and lung disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system, which usually protects you, malfunctions and starts attacking healthy cells. It primarily targets the synovium (the lining of the joints), but can also cause inflammation in other body parts.

The exact cause of RA is unknown. However, it is recognized as an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues, leading to inflammation in and around the joints, potentially damaging the skeletal system and other organs like the heart and lungs.

For more information, visit Mayo Clinic, CDC, Arthritis Foundation, Verywell Health, and Johns Hopkins Medicine for detailed insights.