What is the difference between rheumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Although rheumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis differ by only one letter, they are not the same disease. People often confuse the two, or simply think they are the same disease. So what are the fundamental differences between rheumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis that can help people distinguish them?

1. Different symptoms:

Rheumatoid arthritis is most common in people aged 9-17 years old, with an equal ratio of males to females. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in middle-aged women.

2. Different causes:

Rheumatic arthritis is caused by streptococcal infection, while rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic infection of the synovium of the joint caused by various reasons.

3. Different symptoms:

Rheumatic arthritis often affects large joints (knee joints, elbow joints, etc.) without causing joint deformities. There are also symptoms of erythema annulare, chorea, and cardiitis. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects small joints (especially metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and wrist joints), and other large and small joints, often causing joint deformities in the late stage. Rheumatoid nodules and visceral lesions of the heart, lungs, kidneys, peripheral nerves, and eyes may also occur.

4. Laboratory inspection is different:

Rheumatoid arthritis has high anti-O, rheumatoid arthritis often has high rheumatoid factor, and CCP and AKA will be positive.

5. Different treatments:

The treatment of rheumatic arthritis is mainly to eliminate the streptococcal infection, and at the same time, relevant treatment is carried out for joint pain, cardiitis, etc. The goal of rheumatoid arthritis is to prevent joint damage, protect joint function, and maximize the quality of life of patients. In terms of medication, slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs should be used as early as possible. During the period of joint pain and swelling, external application of Chinese medicine should be used to control pain and other symptoms. Relevant treatment is carried out when internal organ complications occur.

6. Different prognosis:

After rheumatoid arthritis treatment, there is no residual joint deformity. In the late stage of rheumatoid arthritis, joint deformity will occur.