What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 1

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. RA can be responsible for inflammation around the joints as well as in other organs and tissues of the body. An autoimmune disease is a condition where body's tissues are attacked by the body's own immune system. The immune system is designed to "seek and destroy" invaders or foreign materials of the body, especially infectious organisms. Persons with autoimmune diseases have antibodies in their blood that attack their own body the resulting inflammation then damages or destroys the tissue concerned. Because it can affect several organs of the body it is known as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic illness, meaning it can last for years, patients may experience long periods of time without symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness that has the potential to cause joint destruction, Deformity, pain and functional disability. Ra usually presents itself in several joints coinciding on on opposite sides of the body and is also described as a poliarthritis.

Kids can get rheumatoid arthritis too. Most people think that it is only the elderly that can get it. The Arthritis Foundation, a nationwide support group, works to bring this message out to the world.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an Autoimmune disease that leads to the destruction of connective tissue like cartilage in the joints and in other places.

Answer 2

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune form of arthritis. Autoimmune diseases occur when a person’s immune system, designed to protect the body against disease by attacking foreign cells, mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. In patients with RA, their immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, which is a thin membrane between the bones in a joint. Inflammation of the synovium leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, redness, warmth, or restricted range of motion in the affected joint or joints. RA is a systemic disease, meaning that it can occur throughout the body and, in addition to affecting joints, can also affect other tissues and organs. Symptoms vary from person to person and can even change on a daily basis. It is a chronic illness, meaning that it continues indefinitely throughout the patient’s lifetime. While there are many treatment options, there is currently no cure for RA.

Answer 3

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attack the synovial membranes and the joint becomes inflamed and swollen. Chemicals and enzymes may be released to destroy the cartilage and bones if the synovial membrane inflammation persists. Bone displacement often occurs.

Answer 4

Rheumatoid arthritis, also called RA, is a debilitating long-term disease that effects the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs, and can be debilitating.