When you hear the word arthritis, many people immediately associate it with a disease that only affects older people. This is not always the case. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis that can affect anyone, including young people. Unlike osteoarthritis (OA), which is caused by joint wear and tear due to aging or excessive activity, RA is an autoimmune disease that not only causes pain and inflammation in the joints, but can also affect other organs. So, before you assume that you're safe because you're still productive, let's get to know important facts about rheumatoid arthritis that you need to know!
Autoimmune Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that causes chronic inflammation, primarily of the joints, but can also affect other organs such as the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. The disease occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation of the joint lining (synovium). This can lead to pain, swelling, and joint destruction with cartilage loss and bone erosion.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease caused by an interaction between genes and environmental factors. The disease most commonly affects the joints in the fingers, palms, wrists, knees, ankles, soles of the feet, and toes. If the symptoms of RA last less than six months, it is called early RA. However, if the symptoms have been present for more than six months, it is called developed RA. If left untreated, RA can get worse and cause a variety of serious health problems, including an increased risk of death.
Symptoms are not just stiff joints
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) not only affects the joints, but can also affect several other parts of the body. The following symptoms are common but often ignored
Pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness in more than one joint.
Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
Extreme fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.
About 40% of people with RA also experience signs and symptoms that do not involve the joints. Areas that may be affected include the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, salivary glands, nerves, bone marrow, and blood vessels.
RA affects everyone differently. Some people experience symptoms slowly over several years, while others experience a rapid progression of symptoms. Some people experience a period when symptoms appear and worsen (flare), followed by a period without symptoms (remission).
Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Affect Anyone
RA does not only affect the elderly, anyone can experience it. Here are some risk factors that can increase a person's risk of developing RA;
Family history. This is due to a genetic predisposition that can be inherited, although environmental factors also play a role in triggering the onset of the disease.
Gender. Women are more likely to develop RA because the hormone estrogen plays a role in increasing the immune response, which can make the body more susceptible to autoimmune diseases such as RA.
Smoking. Toxins in cigarettes can trigger inflammatory responses in the body and weaken the immune system, increasing the likelihood of autoimmune diseases like RA and making the disease worse.
Obesity. Excess body fat can trigger the release of inflammatory substances (cytokines) that contribute to joint damage. In addition, the extra pressure on joints from excess weight can accelerate degeneration and worsen RA symptoms.
Complications that can kill!
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not just a disease of the joints. If not treated properly, the chronic inflammation that occurs can damage vital organs and lead to death. Here are some of the complications that can occur:
Osteoporosis. Some drugs used to treat RA can increase the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones more likely to break.
Rheumatoid nodules. These hard tissue lumps most commonly form around pressure points, such as the elbows, but can also form in the heart and lungs.
Dry eyes and mouth. People with RA often have Sjogren's syndrome, a condition that reduces the amount of moisture in the eyes and mouth.
Viral infection. Some medications taken by people with RA can weaken the immune system, leading to an increase in infections.
Abnormal body composition. The ratio of fat to muscle mass is often higher in people with RA, even in those with a normal body mass index (BMI).
Carpal tunnel syndrome. When RA affects the wrist, inflammation can pinch the nerves that control most hand and finger movements. This can cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hands.
Heart problems. RA can increase the risk of hardening and blockage of the arteries, as well as inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart.
Lung disease. Patients with RA are at higher risk for inflammation and scarring of the lungs. This condition can cause shortness of breath that worsens over time.
Lymphoma. A group of blood cancers that develop in the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system that fights infection.
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone, including young people. Early recognition of symptoms and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent more serious consequences. While there is currently no cure for RA, there are many effective ways to reduce pain and inflammation and slow the disease process. Early detection is very important, so if you or a loved one is experiencing signs of RA, see a doctor immediately to get the right treatment. K-LAB Medical Center offers comprehensive screening services for rheumatoid arthritis. For more information, please contact our clinic WhatsApp at 081381367915.
Sumber Informasi
NCBI – Rheumatoid Arthritis – 2023
Mayo Clinic - Rheumatoid Arthritis – 2023
Cleveland Clinic - Rheumatoid Arthritis – 2024
National Library of Medicine – Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Brief Overview of the Treatment - 2018
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