Common Symptoms of AiArthritis Diseases
The following list of early disease features is derived from our comprehensive research into patient-reported symptoms of our core diseases. This research includes data from our Early Symptoms of AiArthritis study, publications by scientific societies and rheumatology clinics, and feedback from our patient organization partners. These symptoms were reported by at least 30% of all patients in the early stages of the disease, regardless of their core disease diagnosis. We define early disease as occurring within the first 12 months from onset.
Autoimmune or Autoinflammatory Arthritis Disease Features
List of Services
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FatigueList Item 1
Fatigue that is severe and unusual, not immediately corrected with rest or caffeine. ( > 95%)
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Flu-like symptomsList Item 2
Flu-like symptoms, without having the flu- nausea, muscle weakness, and general malaise. ( > 50%)
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Brain FogList Item 3
"Brain fog", or finding it difficult to put thoughts together. This symptom historically has been mostly associated with lupus, but it is common in the other core diseases. ( > 30%)
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FeverList Item 4
Fever, typically low grade in autoimmune (with exception of juvenile idiopathic arthritis) and higher grade in autoinflammatory (% strongly varies per core disease)
Inflammatory Arthritis Features of
AiArthritis Diseases
List of Services
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Joint PainList Item 1
Joint pain in at least one joint lasting for longer than six weeks and not due to injury, other condition, or medication. (Required for differentiating this type of arthritis from mechanical pain and osteoarthritis)
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StiffnessList Item 2
Severe stiffness, which is worse after rest or inactivity. Many patients report they suddenly feel like their bed is uncomfortable because of the severe stiffness after rest. ( > 50%)
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SwellingList Item 3
Redness and/or swelling around the joints ( > 30%)
Symptoms Common In All
AiArthritis Diseases
Common in All AiArthritis Diseases
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FlaresList Item 1
Flares: Periods of worsening symptoms are called flares. A flare can last for hours, days, weeks, or months.
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Physical ActivityList Item 2
Physical Activity: Condition improves with activity and exercise and worsens with rest.
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ComorbiditiesList Item 3
Comorbidities: When inflammation is left uncontrolled due to lack of proper treatment, comorbidities can develop. 70% of patients with chronic, lifelong disease will develop comorbidities, including dual or triple diagnoses.
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Family HistoryList Item 4
Family History: Autoimmune diseases often run in families, indicating a potential genetic predisposition where that gene can cause disease. Autoinflammatory diseases can occur multiple times in a family, but is based off of genetic mutation. It is not a gene that causes the disease— but a mutation on the gene that can cause the disease which can then be passed on to the next generation.
Typically the joint pain will coincide with the autoimmune and autoinflammatory disease features and start and stop suddenly - for no apparent reason (which is called a "flare"). Some people will experience all of the above symptoms, others only a few. If you have any of the arthritis features, and at least one of the autoimmune/autoinflammatory features, please consult your physician about a referral to a specialist.
Reference: Early Symptoms of AiArthritis Study, AiArthritis, 2019. Discover more
Blog Posts on Symptoms
Talkshow Episodes on Symptoms
Patient Journey: Undiagnosed or the "Mystery Patient"
References:
- Our Early Symptoms of AiArthritis Study
- Undifferentiated Connective-Tissue Disease, Hildebrand, B., et al; Medscape, 2018.
- https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Spondyloarthritis
