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Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic joint disease that damages the joints of the body. It is also a systemic disease that potentially affects internal organs of the body and leads to disability. The joint damage is caused by inflammation of the joint lining tissue. Inflammation is normally a response by the body's immune system to "assaults" such as infections, wounds, and foreign objects. In rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation is misdirected to attack the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is often referred to as RA.
- The inflammation in the joints causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function.
- The inflammation often affects other organs and systems of the body, including the lungs, heart, and kidneys.
- If the inflammation is not slowed or stopped, it can permanently damage the affected joints and other tissues.
Rheumatoid arthritis should not be confused with other forms of arth...
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Rheumatoid Arthritis »
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of unknown cause that primarily affects the peripheral joints in a symmetric pattern.
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