Conditions / Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling. In RA, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, known as synovium, leading to joint damage and deformity over time. Although RA most commonly affects the joints in the hands, wrists, knees, and feet, it can impact other parts of the body as well, including the lungs, heart, and eyes. RA is a progressive condition, and while there is no cure, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent joint damage.
Symptoms
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can vary in severity and often come and go, with flare-ups followed by periods of remission. Common symptoms include:
• Joint pain: Often in the hands, wrists, knees, and feet, with a pattern of affecting joints on both sides of the body.
• Joint stiffness: Especially in the mornings or after periods of inactivity, which may last for more than 30 minutes.
• Swelling: In the affected joints, often accompanied by warmth and redness.
• Fatigue: A common symptom, which can be debilitating and affect daily activities.
• Fever: Mild fever can occur during flare-ups.
• Loss of appetite: May occur along with other systemic symptoms.
• Reduced range of motion: In the affected joints, inflammation and joint damage progress.
• Rheumatoid nodules: Firm lumps that develop under the skin, typically around pressure points such as elbows.
In more severe cases, individuals may also experience:
• Joint deformities: Over time, RA can cause permanent joint damage, leading to deformities that affect movement and function.
• Systemic effects: RA can affect other organs, leading to conditions such as inflammation of the lungs (pleuritis), heart (pericarditis), or eyes (scleritis).
About 40 percent of the people who have rheumatoid arthritis also experience signs and symptoms that don’t involve the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect many non-joint structures, including:
• Skin
• Eyes
• Lungs
• Heart
• Kidneys
• Salivary glands
• Nerve tissue
• Bone marrow
• Blood vessels
When to see a doctor
Consult a doctor if you experience:
• Persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, especially if it affects multiple joints on both sides of the body.
• Morning stiffness that lasts for more than 30 minutes.
• Fatigue, fever, or unintentional weight loss, which could be signs of an active flare-up.
• Decreased range of motion in any joints or difficulty performing everyday tasks.
• Swelling, redness, or warmth in the joints that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
• Sudden, severe pain or swelling in a joint.
• Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or fever, particularly if you’re on immunosuppressive medications.
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain, which could signal lung or heart complications related to RA.
Causes
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, specifically the synovium of joints, leading to inflammation and damage. A family history of RA or other autoimmune diseases increases the risk of developing the condition, suggesting a genetic predisposition. Factors such as infections, smoking, or exposure to certain chemicals may trigger or worsen RA in people who are genetically predisposed.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis include:
• Age: RA can develop at any age, but it most commonly occurs in adults between the ages of 40 and 60.
• Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop RA, with women accounting for about 70% of RA cases.
• Family history: A family history of rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases increases the risk.
• Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for RA, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing RA and can worsen symptoms.
• Hormonal factors: Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, may influence the development of RA, particularly in women.
Complications
Rheumatoid Arthritis increases your risk of developing:
• Osteoporosis
• Rheumatoid nodules: These firm bumps of tissue most commonly form around pressure points, such as elbows. However, these nodules can form anywhere in the body, including the lungs.
• Dry eyes and mouth
• Infections
• Abnormal body composition
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Heart problems
• Lung disease
• Lymphoma
Mediacal Risk
Biologic agents target specific immune system molecules to reduce inflammation. These can increase the risk of infections, particularly respiratory and urinary tract infections.