reumatoidaartriitin

Reumatoidaartriitti, often abbreviated as RA, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect many parts of the body, although it is most commonly known for its attack on the joints. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In RA, the immune system targets the synovium, a membrane that lines the joints, causing inflammation. This inflammation can thicken the synovium, eventually leading to the erosion of cartilage and bone within the joint.

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. However, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. While RA can affect people of all ages, it typically begins in middle age and is more common in women. Symptoms often develop gradually and can include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness. The stiffness is often worse in the morning and can last for more than an hour. RA commonly affects smaller joints first, such as those in the fingers and toes, and often affects joints symmetrically, meaning it impacts the same joints on both sides of the body. Beyond the joints, RA can also cause fatigue, fever, and a general feeling of being unwell. In some cases, it can affect other organs, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.

Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis usually involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests to detect certain antibodies and markers of inflammation, and imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs to assess joint damage. There is no cure for RA, but treatments aim to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, prevent joint damage, and improve quality of life. These treatments may include medications such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.