Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects joints and other body organs. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues, particularly the lining of the joints.

The inflammation can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of joint function over time. While the exact cause of RA is unknown, experts believe that it results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Many triggers can worsen the symptoms of RA and lead to disease flares.

In this article, we will break down the common triggers of RA symptoms and how to manage them.

Stress: Trigger #1

Stress is a common trigger for many autoimmune diseases, including RA. When you are under stress, your body releases stress hormones that can cause inflammation and pain in your joints.

Chronic stress can also weaken your immune system, making it more susceptible to infections and other health problems.

To manage stress, you may want to try relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These activities can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can help reduce RA symptoms.

Smoking: Trigger #2

Smoking is a significant risk factor for RA and can worsen the symptoms of the disease. Smoking can increase the inflammation in your joints, make your joints more stiff and painful, and even reduce the effectiveness of RA medications.

If you smoke, it is essential to stop as soon as possible. You may want to seek help from your healthcare provider or consider joining a support group to quit smoking.

Trigger #3: Infections

People with RA have a compromised immune system, which can make them more susceptible to infections. Infections can cause your body to produce more inflammatory cells, which can worsen RA symptoms.

Common infections that can trigger RA symptoms include urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and skin infections.

To minimize your risk of infection, you should practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly, avoiding contact with sick people, and getting vaccinated against common infections like the flu or pneumonia.

Trigger #4: Cold Weather

Cold weather can worsen RA symptoms, such as joint pain and stiffness. This occurs because the cold weather causes the body’s blood vessels to constrict, which reduces blood flow to the joints, making them stiffer.

Additionally, changes in barometric pressure can cause joint pain.

To manage the effects of cold weather on RA symptoms, you may want to dress appropriately for the weather, keep your home warm, use a humidifier, and warm up before exercising.

Diet: Trigger #5

Your diet can affect your RA symptoms. Some foods may trigger inflammation and make your symptoms worse, while others may help reduce inflammation and improve your symptoms. Research indicates that an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce RA symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other fatty fish. Foods to avoid include processed foods, saturated fats, and sugary foods.

Trigger #6: Lack of Exercise

Lack of exercise can worsen RA symptoms, such as muscle weakness and joint pain. Exercise helps maintain joint flexibility, strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints, and reduce inflammation.

Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or cycling are recommended for people with RA. It is essential to talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise regimen to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you.

Trigger #7: Medications

Some medications can worsen the symptoms of RA. For instance, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain and inflammation in RA can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding.

Other medications like corticosteroids used to reduce inflammation can cause side effects like weight gain, high blood pressure, and increased risk of infection.

If you experience side effects from your medications or notices that they worsen your symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about adjusting your treatment plan.

Trigger #8: Sleep disturbance

Sleep is essential for overall health and wellbeing, including people with rheumatoid arthritis. A lack of sleep can cause fatigue, increase inflammation and make pain worse.

Additionally, pain and stiffness from RA can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.

To improve sleep quality, you may want to create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, sleep in a dark and quiet environment, and use pain relief strategies like heat or cold therapy.

Trigger #9: Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes can also affect RA symptoms, particularly in women. Women with RA tend to experience disease flares during pregnancy, and menopause can worsen symptoms.

Hormonal birth control can also affect RA symptoms, and some medications used to treat RA can cause menstrual irregularities.

It is essential to talk to your healthcare provider about managing hormonally-related RA symptoms, such as adjusting medications and hormone therapies, during different stages of life.

Trigger #10: Environmental factors

Environmental factors like pollution, chemicals, and toxins can also affect RA symptoms. Some studies suggest that air pollution can worsen RA symptoms, and exposure to chemicals like pesticides can increase the risk of developing RA.

To reduce your exposure to environmental factors, you can avoid smoking, open windows for fresh air, and use natural cleaning products instead of harsh chemicals.

Conclusion

Understanding the triggers of RA symptoms is an essential step in managing the disease. By identifying your personal triggers and developing a plan to manage them, you can reduce the frequency and severity of RA flares.

Remember to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that best fits your needs and lifestyle.