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. This autoimmune disease leads to the body’s immune system attacking its own healthy cells, although the specific causes of RA remain unknown. Risk factors contributing to the development of RA include genetic and environmental elements, such as tobacco use.
The disease manifests through several symptoms, which can severely impact joint functionality and overall appearance. In the hands, for example, RA can lead to finger joint deformities. Beyond the joints, RA may cause dryness, pain, and inflammation in the eyes, as well as complications in the mouth, skin, and lungs. Rheumatoid nodules, or small lumps under the skin over bony areas, are also common.
Inflammatory arthritis, as represented by RA, often results in painful joint swelling. The autoimmune nature of the disease means that the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints, leading to pain, inflammation, and eventual damage to cartilage and bone. RA can also affect internal organs, including the heart, lungs, and nervous system.
The pathophysiology of RA involves a complex interplay of cytokines, chemokines, and metalloproteases, which mediate the disease’s damaging effects. In seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, evidence indicates that anti-CCP antibodies can appear long before any signs of inflammation.
For more detailed information on Rheumatoid Arthritis, visit these sources:
Mayo Clinic
CDC
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Arthritis Foundation
NCBI Bookshelf
Forbes Health
Yale Medicine
MSD Manuals
