Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation in the lining of the joints (synovium). This inflammation can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventually joint damage. Beyond the joints, RA can also affect other systems in the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.

How RA Affects the Body

1. Joint Inflammation: The immune system targets the synovium, causing it to thicken and produce excess synovial fluid.
2. Cartilage and Bone Damage: Chronic inflammation can erode cartilage and bone within the joint, leading to deformity and loss of function.
3. Systemic Effects: In some cases, RA causes inflammation in other parts of the body, such as the lungs, heart, or eyes, leading to additional complications.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The symptoms of RA can vary in severity and may come and go. Common symptoms include:

• Joint Pain and Swelling: Often affects small joints in the hands, wrists, and feet.
• Morning Stiffness: Lasting longer than 30 minutes, a hallmark symptom of RA.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or lack of energy.
• Warmth and Redness: Over affected joints.
• Symmetrical Symptoms: RA often affects the same joints on both sides of the body.
• Nodules: Firm lumps under the skin near affected joints in some individuals.

Systemic Symptoms:
In addition to joint issues, RA can cause:

• Dry eyes or mouth (Sjögren’s syndrome).
• Shortness of breath (lung inflammation).
• Chest pain (heart involvement).
• Skin rashes or ulcers (vasculitis).

Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of RA is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors:

• Genetics: Certain genetic markers, such as HLA-DR4, are associated with a higher risk of RA.
• Environmental Triggers: Smoking, infections, or exposure to certain chemicals may trigger the onset of RA in genetically predisposed individuals.
• Gender and Age: RA is more common in women and typically develops between the ages of 30 and 60.