What are the different causes for rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation that leads to pain and stiffness in the joint. Apart from these, other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include swelling, fatigue, weight loss, poor appetite, loss of function and redness in the affected joints, fever and anaemia.

Unlike other types of arthritis, it affects both accompanying joints in the body.

CAUSES

As mentioned previously, Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means that due to different factors, the immune system of an individual starts to attack his/her synovium (the lining of the membranes surrounding joints). This results in the thickening of the synovium that eventually starts to destroy the cartilage and bone. Over the time, this leads to the joint’s inability to stretch, resulting in deformity and lack of mobility.

There is active research across the globe to identify the exact causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Today, the common causesare believedto be smoking, obesity, family history of the disease, periodontal disease, gut bacteria and silica inhalation.Environmental factors and certain infections have also been suspected to trigger the condition. Age and gender are also considered to be risk factors as commonly, people between theages of 40-60 are affected by the disease, with most patients being women.

While it is still difficult to pin-point the exact causes of the disease, we know the risk factors associated with it. A healthy diet, not smoking and leading a healthy lifestyle can help you decrease your risk of developing the disease.

DIAGNOSIS

Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) an antibody,the levels of which can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.