Doctors classify rheumatoid arthritis as either seropositive or seronegative, depending on the presence of specific antibodies in your blood. Your type may influence your symptoms and response to treatment.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of your joints. While RA can affect anyone, about three-quarters of the
RA is a chronic condition that causes a variety of symptoms, including:
- joint pain
- joint stiffness
- limited mobility
- swelling
- fatigue
- feelings of discomfort or not being well
Your symptoms, risk of complications, and outlook with RA may depend on which type of RA you have. Keep reading to learn more about each type and how doctors diagnose and treat them.
Diagnosing RA typically involves a series of tests to confirm what doctors find on a clinical exam. These include blood tests that can determine if your body is actively producing an immune reaction to your healthy tissues. These tests check for antibodies — proteins your body produces as part of an immune response.
A doctor may diagnose you with seropositive RA if you test positive for the following antibodies:
- rheumatoid factor (RF)
- anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA)
Having these antibodies doesn’t necessarily mean you have RA. However, if you do, it can help doctors identify the type.
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- more severe symptoms
- more significant bone erosion
- quicker disease progression
- weaker response to treatment
- more complications, like interstitial lung disease and atherosclerosis
Cases of RA that run in families or are early-onset are also
Smoking and seropositive RA
Smoking is a significant risk factor for RA, especially seropositive RA.
Read more: “What You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Smoking”
People who test negative for RF and ACPA in their blood can still have RA. Diagnosis isn’t based on just these tests. Your doctor will also take into account clinical symptoms, X-rays, and other laboratory tests.
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However, people with seronegative RA can sometimes experience a
People with seronegative RA sometimes test positive for antibodies later on. At this point, a doctor will change the diagnosis to seropositive RA.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was previously called “juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.” Medical professionals changed the name to distinguish it from RA since the cause is often unknown (“idiopathic”).
JIA is the
Symptoms may be temporary or last for a lifetime. Similar to RA, symptoms of JIA include joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain. If the disease is severe, it can cause eye inflammation and interfere with a child’s growth and development.
Autoimmune diseases share many common symptoms, making them particularly difficult to diagnose. People with one autoimmune disorder often develop another. Some conditions that are overlapping or often confused with RA include:
RA can also be confused with osteoarthritis (OA), which isn’t an autoimmune disease. Wear and tear of your joints causes OA.
RA treatment is similar, regardless of type. While there’s no cure for RA, treatment can relieve symptoms and help you live a relatively active life.
You’ll work closely with a doctor to determine the best course of action. Your primary doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist for treatment.
Treatment options for RA
- over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
- prescription corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain
- disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow the progression of the disease
- biologic response modifiers, which target specific parts of your immune system to stop inflammation
- surgery if RA causes permanent joint damage
Self-care tips for RA
Along with medication, lifestyle modifications can reduce symptoms of RA. Self-care home treatments can also help improve your quality of life.
For example, a diet rich in antioxidants can reduce inflammation and pain. Increasing your intake of vegetables, fruits, and fish can also help ease symptoms.
Other lifestyle changes to improve symptoms of RA include:
- getting plenty of rest
- increasing physical activity as you are able
- using heat and cold therapy
- trying alternative therapies, like massage therapy and acupuncture
Doctors classify RA into two types: seropositive and seronegative. A doctor can determine your type by identifying specific antibodies (RF and ACPA) on a blood test.
While people with seropositive RA typically have more severe disease, seronegative RA still requires treatment for symptoms like persistent joint pain and swelling. Poorly managed RA of any type can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Talk with a doctor to learn more about how your RA type may influence your symptoms and outlook.