RA, or rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term, systemic inflammatory disease that affects organs, tissues and joints. If left untreated, this might lead to destruction of the articular cartilage and stiffness of joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the lungs, pleura, pericardium and sclera via diffused inflammation. Even though the actual cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known, studies show that autoimmunity can be a major factor in the progression and chronicity of the disease. It is said that about 1% of the world’s current population suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. The onset of the disease starts between 40 and 50 and women are 3 times more at risk for the disease than men. Subcutaneous rheumatoid nodule is the feature that can be most characterized with rheumatoid arthritis. Rare skin symptoms like atrophy of digital skin, skin fragility, pyoderma gangrenosum, and lobular panniculitis can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. An individual can also have fibrosis of the lungs. This is a response to the disease. It is rare and is usually a consequence of leflunomide and methotrexate therapy. The affected individual’s kidneys might also suffer from renal amyloidosis due to long-term inflammation. If the individual id bring treated with gold salts and penicillamine, then membranous nephropathy might be present.

There are many signs and symptoms that are associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Most, if not all, individuals who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis will experience inflammation in the synovial membrane, also known as synovitis. Joints will become tender and warm because of the inflammation, and stiffness will limit the joint movements.  In time, rheumatoid arthritis will affect multiple joints in the body. Synovitis will lead to the loss of movement of the joint and will erode the joint surfaces, causing them to be deformed and eventually lose their function totally.

For now, there is still no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are treatments that will help relieve the symptoms and disrupt the disease process. There are two main goals in rheumatoid arthritis treatment: alleviation of all current symptoms, and prevention of future joint destruction. Currently, the most used treatment is DMARDs, or disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Medications under this category are used to reduce the rate of damage to the cartilage and bones. Anti-inflammatory durgs and other analgesics are also used in treating individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce the swelling of the affected joints, while analgesics help the individual deal with the pain.