How to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and progressive bone disorder affecting millions, particularly those over 60. The development of anti-rheumatoid factor antibodies, which attack the body's joints, causes complete tissue damage due to the misregulation of humoral and cell-mediated immunity. It is also known as inflammatory arthritis, which primarily affects the lining of joints leading to severe inflammation or swelling, causing bone erosion and altering the structural composition of joints. Patients with chronic arthritis find it challenging to perform daily activities like walking, sitting, standing, running, etc. The precise causes of rheumatoid arthritis are still a mystery that requires further investigation.
How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis can be difficult because joint inflammation and stiffness can also be caused by other conditions. Apart from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, various tests are needed to confirm the presence of rheumatoid arthritis. Here are some of the tests used for an accurate rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis:
1. Physical examination: Your doctor will examine your joints for swelling and assess how smoothly they move. It's essential to describe all your symptoms in detail to the doctor, including those you may consider insignificant, to ensure a proper diagnosis.
2. Blood examinations: Blood tests can help assess the condition and disease progression. They detect blood biomarkers that indicate arthritis, including:
Rheumatoid factor (RA factor) test: This is considered a confirmatory test for rheumatoid arthritis. The test detects the presence of a protein called rheumatoid factor that the immune system produces when it targets healthy tissue.
Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) test: It measures rheumatoid autoantibodies in the blood or biological samples and confirms the disease. However, Anti-CCP is not present in all cases of rheumatoid arthritis. People who test positive for anti-CCP and rheumatoid factors may be more likely to have severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) tests: These tests measure the body's state of inflammation and the severity of inflammation, respectively.
Complete blood count (CBC): This test helps rule out other potential causes of your symptoms and assesses your general health. It also helps diagnose anaemia, which is common in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Joint scans: X-rays and MRI of the affected joints help assess the extent of inflammation and damage. They also help track the development of your condition over time and distinguish between different types of arthritis.
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