Can people with rheumatoid arthritis have children?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting multiple joints throughout the body and cannot be completely cured. Research by experts has linked it to genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, patients with rheumatoid arthritis can have children, but this depends on whether their condition is in a stable phase. If the condition is active and medication is being used, then it is not advisable to become pregnant at this time. Decisions about having children should be made in consultation with your specialist, or your primary care physician, under their guidance and advice. Firstly, the condition should be stable and the medication reduced to the minimum. Additionally, during pregnancy, it is essential to monitor the side effects of the medication.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis is categorized as an autoimmune disease and is a chronic autoimmune condition that is destructive to joints. It is primarily characterized by symmetric polyarthritis, with clinical manifestations varying significantly among individuals. Most cases begin gradually, initially presenting with symmetrical pain and swelling in the wrists. This often accompanies morning stiffness, fatigue, low-grade fever, muscle pain, or weight loss. In a minority of cases, the onset is more abrupt, with typical clinical manifestations appearing within a few days, including joint dysfunction, morning stiffness, and joint pain and swelling. Joint deformity is a later manifestation of the disease, indicating that the disease was not well-controlled, leading to joint damage.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnostic Criteria

The diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis include the following aspects: The first is symmetrical joint pain, primarily characterized by tenderness and swelling in the metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and both wrists. Secondly, it also includes abnormalities in inflammation markers, which comprise erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), along with abnormalities in certain antibodies, mainly rheumatoid factor, CCP antibodies, and AKA antibodies. If the above symptoms are present, and these inflammation markers and antibodies are found to be abnormal upon blood testing, a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be made.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Rheumatoid arthritis commonly occurs at what age?

Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by pain in multiple joints throughout the body. The causes of the disease are not yet clear, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic, infectious, and environmental factors. The main pathological basis of the disease is synovitis. It commonly occurs in individuals aged between 35 and 50, and is more prevalent in females, with a significantly higher incidence rate in women than in men. Additionally, this disease can lead to disability and loss of work capacity. Therefore, early diagnosis and standard treatment are crucial. Once the condition stabilizes, the dosage should be gradually reduced to maintain the disease in a stable state.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Does rheumatoid arthritis hurt?

Rheumatoid arthritis damages joints and bones, displaying as symmetrical polyarthritis. It is an autoimmune disease and a chronic condition that cannot be cured but can only be managed through medication to control disease progression. The primary symptoms include symmetrical pain and swelling in multiple joints, particularly in both wrists, therefore it is invariably associated with pain. Some individuals may also experience joint swelling accompanied by morning stiffness, fatigue, low fever, and weight loss. The onset of the disease is generally slow, although a few cases may have a sudden onset. It can also affect specific joints, such as the cervical spine, shoulder joints, and hip joints.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Is joint pain rheumatoid arthritis?

Firstly, it should be noted that there are many causes of joint pain in clinical practice, and it is not necessarily caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Of course, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause joint pain in patients. In addition, there are some other reasons, for example, local joint bacterial infection in patients can also cause joint pain. Furthermore, joint injuries leading to fractures, dislocations, soft tissue damage, ligament injuries, and meniscus injuries can also cause joint pain. Additionally, the presence of osteoarthritis or gouty arthritis can similarly lead to joint pain in patients.