Rheumatoid arthritis, often abbreviated as RA, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that goes beyond affecting just the joints. This autoimmune disease has the potential to harm various body systems including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. It’s a condition where the body’s immune system wrongly targets its own tissues, causing inflammation and damage.
In more specific terms, RA is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. This means that the immune system, which is supposed to protect the body, instead attacks healthy cells, resulting in inflammation. This inflammatory response, often characterized by painful swelling, commonly targets multiple joints simultaneously. Notably, the joints of the hands, wrists, and knees are frequently affected.
Interestingly, the onset of RA symptoms is not always immediate. The condition progresses through four distinct stages:
Early-stage RA
Moderate-stage RA
Severe RA
End-stage RA
For many individuals, symptoms might not manifest until they reach the moderate-stage of RA, which is the second stage.
Apart from joint damage, RA has several other health implications:
Eyes: Symptoms can include dryness, pain, inflammation, redness, light sensitivity, and impaired vision.
Mouth: Dryness and gum inflammation, irritation, or infections can be prevalent.
Skin: The presence of rheumatoid nodules – small lumps that appear under the skin over bony areas.
Lungs: Inflammation and scarring may occur, potentially leading to shortness of breath and more severe lung diseases.
The progression and activity of RA can vary significantly between individuals. Some common patterns in the disease’s trajectory include long remissions. It’s essential for individuals to monitor their symptoms and seek medical advice when necessary.
When diagnosing RA, it’s crucial for healthcare professionals to consider several factors. Adults with persistent synovitis of an undetermined cause should be referred for a specialist’s opinion. Urgent referrals are necessary even if certain tests come back negative, especially if small joints of the hands or feet are affected.
For more comprehensive information, consider visiting Mayo Clinic, CDC, and PubMed.
