When you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your immune system wrongly targets your healthy joints, resulting in systemic inflammation. However, joint discomfort is only one symptom of an autoimmune illness that causes persistent inflammation.
Even though RA is mainly associated with joint pain and inflammation, it can also induce other symptoms elsewhere in the body. Keep reading to learn more about the signs of rheumatoid arthritis and how it might affect your health.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Fundamentals
An Introduction to Rheumatoid Arthritis Joint pain and swelling are the most common symptoms of RA, a chronic autoimmune disorder. Over 1.3 million persons in the United States have RA, according to data from the ACR.
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect anybody at any age. However, most people are first diagnosed between 30 and 50. Women are approximately three times as likely to be affected as males. We still don't know what causes rheumatoid arthritis. Possible contributors to this phenomenon include:
- Genetics
- Changes in hormones
- infections
- environmental elements, including being in an area with high levels of air pollution
- Choices about life, like smoking
Skeletal System
Symptoms of RA often begin with pain and swelling in the smaller joints of the hands and feet. Commonly, signs and symptoms manifest on both sides of the body at once. Symptoms that are pretty common include:
- pain
- swelling
- tenderness
- Morning stiffness that lasts throughout the day
Even though morning RA discomfort might continue for 30 minutes or more, most people find relief after a hot shower. Sometimes, people with RA report a burning or tingling feeling in their joints. Flare-ups of symptoms followed by periods of remission are possible throughout time. A minimum of six weeks may be needed for the initial phase of symptoms to pass.
Circulatory System
Blood production and circulation can both be negatively impacted by RA. Antibodies termed cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP), and rheumatoid factor can be detected with a simple blood test (RF). These antibodies are just two of several indicators that doctors examine to determine whether a patient has RA.
Anti-CCP antibodies are more RA-specific and tend to emerge before anti-RF antibodies. RA raises the likelihood of developing anaemia. This is because anaemia can be caused either by the disease or RA medicines.
Also, your chance of developing atherosclerosis (a buildup of fatty deposits on the inside of your arteries) may increase. Congestive heart failure, inflammation of the heart muscle, and inflammation of the sac around the heart are all possible complications of RA. Another rare but significant consequence of RA is vasculitis or inflammation of the blood vessels.
Skin, Eyes, Mouth
Nodules of rheumatoid arthritis are strong growths that manifest subcutaneously, typically in the vicinity of the articular areas. It's the inflammation that triggers them. They're annoying at best and seldom unpleasant.
Elbows and the places where your shoes rub might be especially prone to nodule formation. Rashes are a possible side effect of RA and RA treatments. Rheumatoid vasculitis, for instance, often manifests as a characteristic rash.
RA patients may also have hives. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates that between one and four million Americans suffer from Sjögren's illness, an inflammatory disorder.
The Respiratory System
Inflammation or scarring of the linings of the lungs (pleurisy) and damage to lung tissue is more likely to occur in people with RA. Additional examples of breathing problems include:
- bronchial airway obstruction
- pleural effusion
- pulmonary arterial hypertension, also known as high blood pressure in the lungs
- pulmonary fibrosis
- pulmonary nodules indicative of rheumatoid arthritis
Antibody-Presenting System
You have an army in your immune system that fights against germs, viruses, and poisons. Antibodies are produced to combat these pathogens. Sometimes the immune system attacks a healthy tissue thinking it is a harmful intruder.
When this occurs, the immune system begins attacking healthy tissue. As a result of an autoimmune response, joints are damaged in RA. The end effect is systemic inflammation, which can be acute or chronic. It is essential to address the underlying cause of an autoimmune illness in addition to the symptoms.
Conclusion
The disease's course may be slowed with an early diagnosis and therapy. Its effects can be mitigated, and the quality of life can be improved by using disease-modifying drugs, symptomatic drugs, and adjustments in the way of life.
Don't forget to update your doctor whenever you notice a shift in your RA symptoms. They will know to make any required adjustments to your treatment strategy. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that produces joint stiffness and discomfort, most noticeably in the hands, wrists, and knees.
A rheumatologist is a medical doctor specialising in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. They may work in tandem with your primary care physician to track the development of RA and provide therapies, such as dietary modifications and medication.
