Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the missregulation of humoral and cell-mediated immunity, leading to the development of antibodies that attack the joints. The causes of this disorder are not fully understood. The impact of rheumatoid arthritis on the body is significant, as it causes inflammation and swelling in the lining of joints, leading to bone erosion, destruction of synovial joints, and structural changes in the joints. Due to this, individuals with rheumatoid arthritis may find it difficult to perform daily activities such as walking, sitting, standing, and running.
Women and those with a family history of rheumatoid arthritis are more susceptible to developing the disorder. If not treated effectively, acute rheumatoid arthritis can progress to chronic arthritis, leading to severe disability, premature ageing, and increased mortality. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis can significantly affect an individual's physical, emotional, and social well-being.
signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
RA is chronic and progressive inflammatory arthritis that affects the bones. It typically begins with early signs and symptoms such as fatigue, general discomfort, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, and muscle and bone pain. As the disease progresses, i rheumatoid arthritis symptoms advances and the individuals may experience symptoms that specifically affect the joints, including pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness, with the symptoms worsening in the morning and affecting the joints in the hands, feet, legs, knees, and elbows. At the same time, RA is a systemic autoimmune disorder, which can also affect other organs in the body, such as causing rheumatoid nodules, blood vessel inflammation, fluid buildup in the lungs, lung scarring, heart problems, and eye issues.
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition that currently has no complete cure. However, early diagnosis and prompt initiation of rheumatoid arthritis treatment with specific medications, such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can greatly reduce the risk of permanent damage to the joints and alleviate arthritic pain. In addition to DMARDs, other standard treatments for RA include biological agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and low-dose corticosteroids. These medications help slow the illness's progression and provide symptomatic relief.