Rheumatoid Arthritis 

heumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease affecting the entire body whose cause is unclear, but which is known to be connected with autoimmune disorders. It occurs more commonly in women than in men; it can occur at any age, but most commonly between the ages 30 and 50. 

      Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the joints and may spread to other joints. It destroys cartilage in the joints, causing swelling and hypertrophy. It may also attack the heart, causing pericarditis or valvular disease, the lungs, causing inflammation of the pulmonary membrane, pulmonary nodules, or pulmonary vasculitis, the eyes, causing scleritis and iriditis, and the nerves, causing peripheral neuritis. In addition, it may also cause such complications as anemia, skin rash, ulcers of the feet, and osteoporosis. 

      It is not easy to predict where rheumatoid arthritis will occur. Often only some of the joints are affected, but sometimes it spreads throughout the entire body, and even threatens the heart and lungs. Although its symptoms may not be fatal, it can have a very negative impact on quality of life. People should therefore pay attention to strengthening their immune function.