Frequent Symptoms
Symptoms of an RA flare are the same symptoms as those of RA, but they are more severe:
- Joint stiffness, especially morning stiffness
- Intense, consistent, and persistent joint pain
- Swelling in the joints
- Intense fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
- Night and day sweats
- Pallor
- Feeling generally ill (flu-like)
- Profoundly compromised mobility and ability
- Sensitivity to noise and light
- Cognitive shutdown (such as trouble concentrating)
- Social withdrawal
- Emotional distress
- Weight loss
- Tremor
- Weakness
Types of Flares
There are two types of RA flares: predictable and unpredictable.
Predictable Flares
This type of flare is caused by one or more known triggers. Overexertion, poor sleep, stress, diet, an infection like the flu, or even the change of seasons can all set off RA symptoms. In a survey published in 2017, 24% of patients with longstanding RA reported that certain foods, such as soda with sugar and desserts, worsened their RA symptoms.
Unpredictable Flares
On the other hand, unpredictable flares don’t have an obvious trigger. These flares might not get better on their own. This type of flare is more challenging to prevent and treat.
What Does an RA Flare Feel Like?
Someone with RA may usually be able to do household chores, but a flare can interfere with their ability to perform these tasks. Even simple things like using the bathroom and combing one’s hair can become extremely difficult and tiring to complete. Those experiencing a flare are likely feeling symptoms from head to toe. Fatigue can be debilitating, so much so that people experiencing an RA flare don’t feel refreshed even if they sleep for long periods of time.
How Long a Flare Lasts
The length of a flare varies, and can be different for different people. Some may experience it for a year, months, or days. A flare can last as long as there isn’t a change in treatment.
Complications
Much remains unknown about RA flares, and scientists are still trying to find out how flares affect people with this condition. Fewer than half of patients in one study were able to sustain full remission beyond one year, and radiographic progression was observed more often in people who did not remain in sustained remission. This study suggests that periodic worsening of disease occurs and raises the question as to whether flares can contribute to suboptimal outcomes in RA.
When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
If you are experiencing worsening symptoms of RA, you should see your practitioner for an evaluation of your symptoms and current medications. Flares may require a change in your RA treatment plan to resolve.
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis flares can be predictable or unpredictable. But either way, they are characterized by a marked worsening of one’s RA symptoms. This often involves joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as extreme fatigue among other possible symptoms that can affect the body from head to toe.
Conclusion
Coping with RA is possible by working with your healthcare providers to monitor your disease and practicing self-care to minimize the impact of flares on your health and well-being.
FAQs
- What are the symptoms of an RA flare?
- Symptoms of an RA flare are the same symptoms as those of RA, but they are more severe.
- What are the types of RA flares?
- There are two types of RA flares: predictable and unpredictable.
- How long do RA flares last?
- The length of a flare varies, and can be different for different people.
- What are the complications of RA flares?
- Much remains unknown about RA flares, and scientists are still trying to find out how flares affect people with this condition.
