Rheumatoid arthritis, commonly known as RA, is complex to understand owing to the way it develops and attacks the body. RA is an autoimmune disease occurring when the body’s tissues are mistakenly attacked by their own immune system. Immune system protects body from outside diseases. But when your own immune cells target internal body tissues, inflammation in joint start. RA causes chronic inflammation in joints.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The tendency to develop rheumatoid arthritis may be genetically inherited i.e it can be hereditary. Certain genes have been identified that increase the risk for rheumatoid arthritis. It is also suspected that certain infections in the environment might attack immune system and might trigger the rheumatoid arthritis factor. This misdirected immune system then attacks the body’s own tissues. This leads to inflammation in the joints and sometimes in various organs of the body.
Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Inflammation of Eyes
Inflammation can reach the eyes as well. Inflammation of the white parts of the eyes is referred to as sclerosis and can be very dangerous to the eye.
Inflammation of Lung Lining
Rheumatoid inflammation of the lung lining can cause chest pain with deep breathing, shortness of breath, or coughing. The lung tissue itself can also become inflamed and scarred, and sometimes nodules of inflammation develop within the lungs.
Inflammation of Tissue Surrounding the Heart
Inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart, called pericarditis, can cause a chest pain that typically changes in intensity when lying down or leaning forward. Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with an increased risk for heart attack.
Reduction in RBCs and WBCs
Rheumatoid arthritis can reduce the number of red blood cells and white blood cells.
Increased risk of Lymph gland Cancer
The risk of lymph gland cancer is higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, especially in those with sustained active joint inflammation.
