RA is
characterised by chronic infammation of the
joints. The immune system produces antibodies
that attach to the linings of the joints, ready
to fight viruses and germs. But when a person
has RA, instead of fighting infections these
antibodies attack the body’s own tissues, causing
lasting infammation and pain.
If untreated,
RA can cause permanent damage to the joints.
Treatments for autoimmune diseases generally
focus on reducing immune system activity.
These treatments can be highly efective, but
they do leave suferers more exposed to illness.
Research indicates that many
autoimmune disorders are inherited, but
there are some secondary or acquired immune
defciencies caused by medication or a virus. RA
afects around 690,000 adults in the UK, two to
three times more women than men. The problem
usually afects hands, feet and wrists, causing
swelling and sometimes damage to the cartilage
and bone around the joints.
Although it can
affect people of any age, it’s usually diagnosed in
people over 40. If diagnosed and treated early,
people with RA can live a much better quality
of life, and managing their diet and lifestyle can
help to limit the impact on their immune system.
