Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting more than just the joints. It’s characterized by the inflammation of the synovial membrane, leading to fluid buildup, joint erosion, and degradation. RA can cause pain, swelling, and deformity. The pattern of symptoms may vary, with flares of increased systemic symptoms like fever, which is usually low grade (37 to 38C, 99 to 100F). The frequency of sustained remission in RA has been historically low but is increasing over time, currently ranging from 10% to 60% or more.
One tool used to assess the disease’s impact is the Rheumatoid Arthritis Severity Scale (RASS). This scale helps doctors determine disease activity, functional impairment, and physical damage caused by RA. RA symptoms can wax and wane, sometimes daily. Flares might manifest more as systemic symptoms rather than joint swelling or tenderness.
Diagnosis often involves blood tests, such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test, which measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube. An abnormal ESR can indicate inflammation. Additionally, rheumatoid factor tests can be used; although some healthy individuals, particularly older ones, may have positive results. Cigarette smoking, a risk factor for RA, can also lead to positive rheumatoid factors.
People with RA often experience fatigue and may have a low-grade fever. RA symptoms can come and go, with severe inflammation and other symptoms indicating a flare that can last for days or months. RA can also affect the eyes, causing dryness, pain, inflammation, redness, sensitivity to light, and vision problems. It can affect the mouth as well, leading to dryness and discomfort.
For more detailed information on the stages and progression of RA, visit Healthline. To understand more about RA and its impacts, consult the CDC’s dedicated page. For comprehensive insights into RA symptoms, the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center provides valuable information. Also, learn about RA blood tests and diagnosis at RheumatoidArthritis.org and Healthline. More details on the rheumatoid factor can be found at the Mayo Clinic. Lastly, to explore the overall causes, symptoms, treatments, and health effects of RA, visit Arthritis.org.
