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Yes, rheumatoid arthritis is absolutely an autoimmune disease.

In RA, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in your body instead of protecting you from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. Normally, your immune system creates antibodies to target and remove threats. But with RA, it produces Show Full Answer

Yes, rheumatoid arthritis is absolutely an autoimmune disease.

In RA, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in your body instead of protecting you from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. Normally, your immune system creates antibodies to target and remove threats. But with RA, it produces autoantibodies that attack your own healthy cells by mistake.

Two common autoantibodies found in RA are rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP). Your immune system also releases chemicals called cytokines that cause the inflammation, pain, and swelling in your joints.

This autoimmune response creates chronic inflammation that can damage healthy joint tissue, including bone and cartilage. Over time, this can lead to joint deformities if not properly managed.

Since you were diagnosed in 2008, you've likely experienced how this autoimmune process affects your body. The good news is that RA treatments are designed to calm down this overactive immune response and reduce the inflammation it causes.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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