| Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful condition characterized | | | | You may notice these same symptoms in more than |
| by inflammation in the joints. It can also affect organs | | | | one joint or area of your body. Although you can have |
| and tissues; however, most discomfort is felt in the | | | | arthritis without having rheumatoid, sometimes, it is |
| joints. Although it is not debilitating for everyone, it can | | | | difficult to tell which form you are suffering from |
| become very serious. If you suspect you may have | | | | without seeing a doctor. Your doctor can test you for |
| rheumatoid arthritis, see your doctor, who can test you | | | | this by doing a blood test and listening to your |
| for the disease and prescribe treatment. | | | | symptoms. Blood tests are not always conclusive |
| Symptoms include varying degrees of pain in the joints. | | | | proof that you do or do not have this type of arthritis |
| One of the classic symptoms is that whatever is | | | | so it is important to track your symptoms and discuss |
| happening on one side of the body will also be | | | | them with your doctor. |
| occurring on the other side. Therefore, if you notice | | | | Rheumatoid arthritis is usually worse in the mornings |
| swelling, pain, or tenderness in one joint on the left side | | | | and you may feel stiff for several hours. In severe |
| of your body and in the same joint on the right side of | | | | cases, the eyes and lungs can be affected as well. If |
| your body, you may be suffering from rheumatoid | | | | you have difficulty seeing or have trouble breathing, |
| arthritis. | | | | seek medical attention right away. |