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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long term disease of the immune system. Its cause is currently unknown. RA causes progressive inflammation and deformation of the joints, but it also affects organs and tissue. People with RA often experience symptoms symmetrically, on both sides of the body. They may run a temperature, feel tired, lose weight and can experience overall pain felt throughout the body. Although any joint may be affected, those most likely to be involved are the fingers, hands, feet, wrists and ankles.
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The initial diagnosis of RA is not an easy one and is determined from numerous physical signs and symptoms that are present.
RA affects 1% of the adult population. Onset usually occurs between 20 and 45 years of age, but can happen anytime. It is more common in women. Up to age 50, the odds of a woman contracting RA are roughly double that of men. It is estimated that in the U.S. alone, some 23 million women suffer from RA. The course of the illness varies by patient. The disease is progressive and usually results in diminished ability to work or perform everyday tasks. In 1986, it was estimated that lost income of RA sufferers compared to healthy people was approximately $18 billion per year. Research published in 1999 shows that cigarette and cigar smoking increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis by about 50%.
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