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НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ • Вересень-Жовтень 2025 39 OUR HEALTH Ihor Magun, MD, FACP Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease that occurs when the immune system mis - takenly assumes there is an in - fection in a joint. This initiates a response that leads to joint dam - age. RA affects both large and small joints, with a predilection for joints of the hands and the feet. While RA increases with age, it can present at any age, with the typical onset between the ages of 30 and 50. Genes are respon - sible for 60% of the risk for RA. Environmental factors are re - sponsible for the other 40%, with smoking and air pollution as the main causes. Three additional risk factors are periodontal disease; the hormone estrogen and other sex-specific factors, which are incompletely understood; and women who have not given birth. The onset of RA symptoms is gradual, with joint pain includ - ing swelling and morning stiff - ness lasting at least 45 minutes and up to several hours. A major manifestation of RA is stiffness that is worse following rest and decreased by ongoing activity. Rheumatoid Arthritis An early sign of RA is difficulty in making a fist. Joints on both sides of the body are generally involved, but the severity may be asymmetric. Contrary to what many as - sume, RA primarily affects the cervical (neck) and not the lower spine. RA does have systemic effects: Lungs. 80% of individuals can have this organ affected, mostly with no symptoms but can lead to scarring known as fibrosis, leading to issues with breathing in the future. Eyes. The most common man - ifestation is dry eyes. Nerves. RA causes nerve swelling, leading to nerve pain throughout the body. Skin. 20% of RA individuals develop rheumatoid nodules, which are generally painless but, if found in certain areas (knee), can cause discomfort when pres - sure is applied, such as kneeling. A western diet high in fat, re - fined carbohydrates, and sugar and low in fiber increases the risk of RA. On the other hand, a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of RA. The Mediterrane - an diet emphasizes healthy fats like virgin olive oil, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. Regular exercise is extreme - ly helpful by strengthening the muscles around affected joints, providing reduction in pain and improvement in flexibility. Treatments previously focused only on pain and inflammation reduction. Today’s treatment guidelines advocate early diag - nosis with the intent to begin ag - gressive therapy early to prevent joint damage. The take-home message is to address RA early, initiate the use of appropriate medications, and adopt lifestyle changes in the diet and regular physical activity.
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