What is RA?
RA, the most common type of autoimmune arthritis, triggers a faulty reaction in the body’s immune system, where it mistakes the body’s own tissues for foreign bodies, like bacteria and viruses, and attacks them. Unlike osteoarthritis, this disease attacks the linings of the joints, causing swelling, which, over time, can lead to joint erosion and deformity.
While arthritis is a disease typically associated with joint pain, this systemic disease can attack major organs, including the heart, lungs, eyes, vascular system, skin and other tissues, causing permanent disability. Infections related to RA are responsible for up to 25 percent of deaths in people with RA.
What are the signs?
Symptom onset for RA typically starts between the ages of 30 and 60, although even young children can begin experiencing symptoms. Surprisingly, more than 300,000 children have juvenile RA.
Early symptoms of the disease are similar to other forms of arthritis: small joints, typically in the fingers or toes, may begin to feel stiff, swollen or warm. The symptoms may come and go in flare-ups, lasting for a few days or weeks before easing.