Category: Arthritis

Yes, rheumatoid arthritis can occur with negative rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibody results. Clinicians use the term seronegative RA when the characteristic antibodies are not detected but the overall findings support the diagnosis. Negative […]

Before certain rheumatoid arthritis treatments begin, infection screening helps the care team plan safer treatment. Someone can feel well and still have evidence of a past infection that matters when the immune system is altered. […]

Methotrexate monitoring checks treatment safety as well as the condition being treated. Your joints may feel better while a blood-count, liver, or kidney result still needs attention. That is why scheduled laboratory follow-up remains important […]

Persistent fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis deserves its own evaluation. Inflammation may contribute, but anemia, iron deficiency, thyroid disease, sleep problems, medication effects, and other conditions can overlap. The most useful blood tests are the ones […]

Inflammation and autoimmune blood tests answer different questions. General markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can show that inflammatory activity may be present, but they usually cannot […]

Rheumatoid arthritis blood tests can add objective information when inflammatory joint symptoms persist, but no blood test can diagnose or exclude rheumatoid arthritis by itself. Clinicians combine the history, joint examination, laboratory findings, and often […]

“Why did my autoimmune disease show up now, after 50?” That question is common—and understandable. A new diagnosis in midlife can feel as though the immune system suddenly changed course. In reality, age 50 is […]

Healthcare providers often measure the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio to assess inflammation. This ratio helps them identify chronic inflammation and evaluate a patient’s immune response. Clinicians consider the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) a useful predictor for […]

Autoimmune diseases affect millions of people worldwide. These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly targets healthy cells. By adopting targeted dietary strategies and understanding specific nutritional needs, individuals with autoimmune conditions can support better […]

Arthritis symptoms, including inflammation and stiffness in the joints, affect millions of people worldwide, causing pain and limiting mobility. While arthritis remains incurable, there are effective strategies for managing and preventing its debilitating symptoms. This […]

Deeper than just a reflex, a cough can indicate a serious health problem. Learn the causes and how to approach the treatment of chronic cough and acute coughs in this guide. Coughing is a natural […]