Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease, belonging to the group of autoimmune diseases, which predominantly affects the joints, although it can damage other organs such as the lung, eyes or secretory glands. Its origin is completely unknown, although it is increasingly certain that it requires a combination of a genetic predisposition with external triggers such as smoking or certain infections (mainly periodontal and pulmonary).
Main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis usually manifests itself by pain and inflammation of many joints at the same time. Inflammation of the small joints of the hands and feet predominates, although it can affect any joint of the locomotor system. It is often accompanied by a feeling of stiffness when waking up in the morning, and may even lead to a fever, weight loss or lack of appetite, which may suggest the presence of a neoplastic disease.
Treatments available to treat rheumatoid arthritis and slow down its progression: biologic drugs
The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has changed radically in the last 15 years and today we can safely say that we are able to completely stop the disease. The initial drugs are still mild immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate or leflunomide, but the line of biologic drugs now available makes it possible, in the event that the former are not sufficiently effective, to stop the inflammatory process and allow the sufferer to lead a completely normal life.
There is no doubt that currently available biologic drugs can “induce remission”, i.e., completely stop inflammation and the progression of damage, provided they are used by the rheumatology specialist at the right time (when the disease is not very advanced) and their efficacy and safety are monitored.
Prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis patients
The prognosis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis depends very much on the time of diagnosis: if the disease is identified with a few weeks of evolution, the probability of stopping it is very high. However, in late cases, with months or years of evolution, although treatments are still undoubtedly useful, the probability of completely halting the disease and avoiding sequelae decreases substantially. Despite this, the current prognosis for rheumatoid arthritis is good, in most cases progression to disability can be avoided, and it is possible for people with rheumatoid arthritis to lead a normal life.