Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that primarily impacts the joints and other tissues. This chronic inflammatory disorder can affect various body systems beyond the joints. One of the key indicators of RA is an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), commonly referred to as sed rate, or a heightened C-reactive protein (CRP) level. These may signify an inflammatory process occurring in the body. Other typical blood tests for diagnosing RA include looking for the rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. Additionally, imaging tests can be beneficial in the diagnosis process.
RA affects about 1% of the global population, with women being affected 2 to 3 times more often than men. The onset of this ailment can be at any age, but it most frequently occurs between 35 and 50 years. However, there are cases where it starts during childhood, as seen with conditions like Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). JIA is a collection of rheumatic diseases that manifest before the age of 16.
To learn more about RA, its symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatments, you can refer to various resources. Some credible sources include the CDC website, the Mayo Clinic’s overview on RA symptoms and causes, and the Mayo Clinic’s guide on RA diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, Arthritis.org offers insights into the disease, and Merck Manuals provides a professional perspective.
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