Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells in the body, leading to inflammation in various parts of the body. RA primarily targets the joints, often affecting multiple joints simultaneously, including those in the hands, wrists, and knees.
Symptoms and Causes:
Rheumatoid arthritis manifests as swelling and tenderness in one or more joints, with common symptoms being joint pain and stiffness that may worsen with age. It’s an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues, causing inflammation in and around the joints. This can extend to the skeletal system and other organs, including the heart and lungs. The exact cause of RA remains unknown.
Health Effects:
RA can have various health effects beyond joint inflammation. It can cause issues with the eyes, such as dryness, pain, inflammation, redness, sensitivity to light, and vision problems. Oral health may also be affected, leading to dryness, gum inflammation, irritation, or infection. Additionally, the skin can develop rheumatoid nodules—small lumps under the skin over bony areas. The lungs may suffer from inflammation and scarring, potentially leading to serious complications.
Treatment Options:
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis includes lifestyle changes, physical and occupational therapy, nutritional therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery. These treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
RA progresses through four stages: early-stage RA, moderate-stage RA, severe RA, and end-stage RA. Symptoms may vary and intensify as the disease progresses through these stages.
For more detailed information, visit the following resources:
Mayo Clinic
CDC
Arthritis Foundation
Cleveland Clinic
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Healthline
