9. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune illness that is chronic, progressive, and debilitating. It causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in and around the joints, as well as other organ damage. RA usually starts in the hands and feet, although it can affect any joint. It is common for the same joints on both sides of the body to be involved. Common symptoms include stiff joints, especially when getting out of bed or after sitting for a long period of time. Some people report weariness and a general sense of being ill. According to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network, RA affects up to 1% of the world’s population and over 1.3 million people in the United States. RA is a type of autoimmune illness. It is also a systemic condition, meaning that it can affect the entire body. It happens when a person’s immune system misidentifies healthy tissues in the body as foreign invaders. Inflammation occurs in the target tissue or organ as the immune system responds. This can include the joints, lungs, eyes, and heart in the case of RA. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, persons are frequently diagnosed with RA in their 60s. Symptoms may appear gradually and generally worsen with time. People with RA frequently suffer flares, which are periods when their symptoms worsen. Stress, overactivity, or discontinuing medications can cause RA symptoms to worsen. When symptoms disappear or become moderate, flares are followed by remissions. The majority of people continue to have flares and remissions throughout their lives. The same joints on both sides of the body are generally affected by RA. Pain and stiffness tend to worsen after sleep or inactivity. Severe RA can cause joint degeneration and disability, as well as various issues throughout the body. Treatment can help regulate the severity of symptoms and may lower the risk of consequences.
Recommended For You
