Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Life Expectancy

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory and autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints (called the synovium), leading to inflammation. This results in painful and tender joints, redness and swelling, and difficulty in movement.

The exact cause of RA is not known. It’s an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. This can lead to joint damage and may also affect other organs such as the heart and lungs. While rheumatoid arthritis cannot directly cause death, it can increase the risk of life-threatening complications like heart disease.

Age and sex are significant factors in the likelihood of developing RA. The onset is highest among adults in their sixties, and new cases are more common in women. Genetics and inherited traits also play a role, as certain genes can increase the likelihood of developing RA.

One major effect of rheumatoid arthritis is a weakened immune system due to its autoimmune nature, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Chronic inflammation is another serious consequence.

Comparatively, gout is another painful type of arthritis, characterized by symptoms like intense pain, redness, stiffness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joints. In gout, uric acid crystals cause inflammation, whereas, in rheumatoid arthritis, it’s the immune system that causes joint damage.

For more in-depth information, you can refer to the following resources:

Mayo Clinic
Verywell Health
RA Life Expectancy
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Medical News Today
CDC
Healthline
Cleveland Clinic