Constant fatigue can be a sign of the onset of rheumatoid arthritis

Constant fatigue may indicate hidden disruptions in the immune system's functioning and be an early signal of rheumatoid arthritis, reports foreign press citing experts in the field of clinical pharmacology. Specialists note that such a symptom is often associated with excessive production of cytokines - signaling molecules involved in the development of inflammatory processes in the body.

As reported by BAKU.WS citing Gazeta.Ru, rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, primarily the joints. According to experts' estimates, the disease affects about 1% of the planet's adult population, with women encountering it several times more often than men. Contrary to popular belief, the disease is not exclusively a problem of the elderly: the peak incidence occurs between the ages of 40-55 years.

Experts explain that human immune defense functions in two stages. First, innate immunity is activated - a fast but non-specific response system. At this stage, phagocyte cells destroy foreign agents and simultaneously trigger the production of cytokines that signal danger.

If this proves insufficient, adaptive immunity enters the process. It acts more slowly but more precisely, forming T- and B-lymphocytes capable of "remembering" specific pathogens. However, in rheumatoid arthritis, this mechanism fails: immune cells begin to perceive joint tissues as a threat and attack them.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a key role in the development of inflammation. Normally, it helps the body fight infections, but in rheumatoid arthritis its production becomes uncontrolled. This leads to chronic inflammation, destruction of cartilage and bone tissue, elevated levels of C-reactive protein in the blood, as well as general symptoms - elevated temperature and a feeling of constant fatigue.

Modern approaches to treating the disease involve step-by-step intensification of therapy depending on the disease's activity. Foreign and domestic specialists also draw attention to new medications, including biological agents that block the action of interleukin-6 and thereby interrupt the inflammatory chain underlying rheumatoid arthritis.