Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease: the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This causes inflammation, pain and, if not treated in time, permanent joint damage. It is more common in women between 30 and 60 years of age.
Common symptoms
- Pain and swelling in the small joints of the hands and feet, usually on both sides
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
- Fatigue, sometimes low-grade fever or weight loss
- Less often: nodules under the skin, dry eyes or lung involvement
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on the joint examination and blood tests: rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. X-rays or ultrasound help to assess damage and inflammation.
Treatment
The goal is remission. Disease-modifying drugs such as methotrexate, leflunomide, sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine are used first. If they are not enough, biologic therapies or JAK inhibitors are added. Corticosteroids are used at low doses and for a short time. Treating within the first months prevents most of the damage.
What you can do
- Take your medication as prescribed and have your monitoring blood tests done
- Do not smoke: smoking worsens the disease and reduces the effect of treatment
- Exercise regularly and keep a healthy weight
- Favour an anti-inflammatory diet and look after your oral health
- Keep your vaccinations up to date
Seek care immediately if you have
- Fever or signs of infection while on immunosuppressive treatment
- Shortness of breath or a cough that does not improve
- Mouth sores, bruising or bleeding while taking methotrexate
- A very hot, red and painful joint together with fever
Frequently asked questions
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease: the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This causes inflammation, pain and, if not treated in time, permanent joint damage. It is more common in women between 30 and 60 years of age.
How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on the joint examination and blood tests: rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. X-rays or ultrasound help to assess damage and inflammation.
How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?
The goal is remission. Disease-modifying drugs such as methotrexate, leflunomide, sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine are used first. If they are not enough, biologic therapies or JAK inhibitors are added. Corticosteroids are used at low doses and for a short time. Treating within the first months prevents most of the damage.
General information reviewed by Dr. Paul Alejandro Méndez Patarroyo, internist and rheumatologist, Colombian Medical Licence 79554568. It does not replace a medical consultation.