Is rheumatoid arthritis a genetic disease?
My mother has rheumatoid arthritis, and her sister also has it. I'm worried if I might get it too. Is rheumatoid arthritis a genetic disease? Should I get tested?
My mother has rheumatoid arthritis, and her sister also has it. I'm worried if I might get it too. Is rheumatoid arthritis a genetic disease? Should I get tested?
I can only share what happened in my family. My mother had severe RA, and now I have been diagnosed too, so there seems to be some connection. But my siblings don't have any symptoms at all, so it's not a guarantee.
Even if there is a genetic link, staying active helps keep the joints flexible. I make sure to do 30 minutes of low-impact walking every day. Just check with your doctor first about what exercises are safe for your joints.
When my daughter got diagnosed, we got ourselves tested too because we were so worried it was genetic. The doctor told us that genes only give a tendency, but environmental triggers actually start the disease. So don't blame yourself.
Beta, sometimes these illnesses run in families, but our lifestyle also matters a lot. Eat fresh home-cooked food and drink warm milk with a pinch of organic turmeric. Keeping your digestive fire healthy helps prevent these family ailments from waking up.
My doctor at Kokilaben Hospital told me that while genes play a role, it is not a direct hereditary disease where your kids will definitely get it. It is best to consult a good rheumatologist who can explain the exact risk factors to you.
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Yes, genetics can make you more susceptible, though other triggers like stress or infections are usually needed to start it.
I totally get it, you must be worried about passing this on to your kids or thinking about your parents. It does have some genetic basis, but it is not 100% hereditary. Try not to stress too much about it right now.
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