Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that can affect multiple joints in the body. The immune system fails to function properly and attacks the linings of joints. RA can affect other parts of the body, including the nerves, skin, lungs, eyes and heart. It can have a gradual progression or come on abruptly. Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis requires a combination of multiple blood tests, imaging and physical examination.