This article explains autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus, highlighting their symptoms, differences, and treatment options. It covers how these conditions affect various organs, joint symptoms, and management strategies, providing a comprehensive overview for better understanding and awareness.

Autoimmune Disorders Explained: Recognizing Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus Signs, Variations, and Care Strategies

Autoimmune conditions happen when the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own tissues, causing inflammation and health issues.

They mainly arise from immune system malfunctions, losing the ability to distinguish between self and foreign substances, thus attacking healthy cells.

In the United States, roughly 0.6% of adults suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Major differences
Rheumatoid Arthritis typically affects people aged 25 to 55. While its exact cause remains unclear, genetics, environment, and hormones play a role in its onset.

Both diseases often target joints such as fingers and wrists but can involve any joint. Lupus usually begins in early adulthood with diverse symptoms. It primarily affects organs like the heart, lungs, kidneys, and joints.

Shared symptoms
Both conditions cause joint pain, swelling, fatigue, and soreness, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
Distinct features and effects

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Involves joints and lungs; joint deformities may occur; causes inflammation around organs like lungs and heart; generally, internal organs are less affected; joint pain is worse in the morning and improves during the day.

Lupus: Primarily impacts skin and internal organs such as kidneys, heart, and lungs; joint damage usually doesn’t deform; may lead to serious, life-threatening issues; joint pain tends to be persistent throughout the day.

Treatment approaches
RA treatments aim to reduce inflammation and prevent tissue damage, with varying success. Focus is on minimizing complications. For Lupus, since it varies among individuals, treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs, skin care, and sometimes chemotherapy to suppress the immune response. Ongoing research strives to identify immune system targets and develop specific therapies.