Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by pain, swelling, and deformity of the joints due to prolonged inflammation, even leading to disability. It can affect any joint, although it is more common in wrists and hands. In some people, the condition can damage various systems such as the skin, eyes, lungs, or blood vessels.

The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown, although the complex contribution of genetics along with environmental factors such as certain viral infections or hormones has been proposed. Even the intestinal flora has been implicated in its development.

The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis is around 1% in the general population, although it is more common in women than in men. Among the non-genetic risk factors that may contribute to the development of the disease are:

• Age: it can appear at any age, but the incidence increases with age.
• Sex: it is 2-3 times more common in women than in men.
• Smoking: Smokers are at higher risk of developing the disease.
• Obesity.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that manifests with pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of joint mobility, especially in the hands, feet, wrists, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Sometimes it can cause fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can be constant or come and go, with active periods (flares) and others of relative remission.

Around 40% of affected people have symptoms involving other systems such as the skin, eyes, lungs, kidneys, etc.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most disabling of the rheumatic diseases.

Because it is a disease of unknown origin, there is no sure way to prevent rheumatoid arthritis, however, there are actions that could help to have a better management of the pathology such as:

• Lead a healthy lifestyle, with moderate physical activity and healthy eating.
• Avoid activities that require heavy physical efforts such as standing for long hours or avoiding bending the back and neck for hours at a time.
• Reduce body weight in case of overweight.
• Avoid consumption of toxic substances such as tobacco.

Discover your genetic vulnerability to different conditions and learn about your health. Click to learn more.