Rheumatoid arthritis, also known by doctors as RA, is actually an autoimmune disease in which inflammation appears in your joints. In its early stages, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are mild, but the symptoms tend to become unbearable as time passes.
Right now, more than 1.3 million people are dealing with this chronic condition in our country. And, although RA varies from person to person, the disease is quite unpredictable, meaning that you can expect severe flare-ups anytime.
Most people don’t know that rheumatoid arthritis can even affect several organs such as the lungs, eyes, and even skin. So, it’s not just about joints. Plus, genetics is also a determining factor. Having a close relative with RA, such as your mom, can increase your risk of developing this health condition.
If you think you’re at a higher risk of developing this autoimmune disease, read on to discover its early signs and symptoms.