Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune system condition, or “autoimmune disorder,” that causes inflammation of the lining of the joints. It may also affect the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood, and nerves. Although RA symptoms can come and go, the disease can worsen over time and may never go away. Early, aggressive treatment is key to slowing or stopping it.
What Are the Symptoms?
Joint inflammation from RA comes with pain, warmth, and swelling. The inflammation is typically symmetrical, occurring on both sides of the body at the same time (such as the wrists, knees, or hands). Other symptoms of RA include joint stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity; ongoing fatigue, and low-grade fever. Symptoms typically develop gradually over years, but they can come on rapidly for some people.
Who Gets It?
It usually strikes between ages 30-60, but younger and older people can get it. About 1% of the U.S. population has the condition, which is two to three times more common in women than in men. You’re more likely to get it if you smoke or if you have a relative who has this disease.
What Causes It?
Scientists don’t know exactly why people get RA. Some people may have a genetic risk for it that gets triggered by a particular infection that experts haven’t yet identified.
How Does It Affect the Joints?
Inflammation of the lining of the joints can destroy cartilage and bone, deforming the affected joints. As the condition progresses, joints can become painful and not work as well.
What Does It Do to the Rest of the Body?
RA can affect organs and areas of the body other than the joints, including:
- Rheumatoid nodules (shown here): firm lumps under the skin and in internal organs
- Sjogren's syndrome: inflammation and damage of the glands of the eyes and mouth; other parts of the body can also be affected
- Pleuritis: inflammation of the lining of the lungs
- Pericarditis: inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart
- Anemia: not enough healthy red blood cells
- Felty syndrome: not enough white blood cells. Also linked to ah enlarged spleen.
- Vasculitis: blood vessel inflammation, which can hamper blood supply to tissues
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