What are the different causes for rheumatoid arthritis?

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.