Rheumatoid arthritis fevers: Causes, symptoms, and treatment Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What is the link between rheumatoid arthritis and fevers Medically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M.D., FACR — By Jamie Eske — Updated on June 12, 2022People with rheumatoid arthritis sometimes experience a fever. It can occur due to inflammation that relates to the condition. Fevers can also develop due to rheumatoid arthritis drugs, which can make someone more susceptible to infections. Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include swelling, stiffness, and joint pain that is often worse in the morning. RA complications can include inflammation in various body organs. Some people also experience a low grade fever. In the past, fever could occur if a person had severe inflammation or if RA affected other organs. However, treatment with DMARDs and biologic drugs means this is now rare. Fever is a common symptom of other rheumatic diseases, such as gout and systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus. It most likely results from inflammation. In this article, we look at why a fever might occur with RA. What causes RA fever Share on PinterestAliaksandr Litviniuk/Getty ImagesRA is an autoimmune condition, which means a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. This causes widespread inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and joint pain. A low grade fever may also appear and can indicate inflammation. It occurs when the immune system is reacting to a threat. A long lasting, low grade fever is a common symptom of some inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as lupus. However, a fever is less common with RA than with other rheumatic diseases. When it occurs, researchers say it tends to appear alongside aggressive disease, weight loss, and inflammation in the lining of several joints. Can RA medication cause fever In some cases, using medications can lead to a fever in people with RA. Doctors often prescribe medication that suppresses the immune system to treat RA. This can increase the risk of developing a viral or bacterial infection, which may involve a fever. In this case, a person may notice other symptoms, depending on the type of infection. Diagnosing RA fever If someone with RA has a low grade fever that lasts a long time, it may be a symptom of RA. However, before deciding that a fever relates to RA, a doctor will need to rule out other conditions that can cause it, including viral and bacterial infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider a person to have a fever if any of the following are true: the person’s temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or overthey feel warm to the touchthey say they have felt feverish A fever is a symptom of a disease. A doctor may offer treatment if they identify an underlying cause for the fever. When should people seek help for a fever? Is RA fever the same as rheumatic fever A separate disease from RA is rheumatic fever. This acute condition can occur after an infection with strep throat or scarlet fever. It involves a widespread inflammatory response, joint pain, and other symptoms. The symptoms can be similar, but the two diseases are not related. Rheumatic fever mostly affects children aged 5–15 years, but it is rare in adults and children aged under 3 years. Like RA, rheumatic fever affects the joints. However, unlike RA, rheumatic fever is temporary, usually lasting only a few weeks. Severe cases of rheumatic fever can result in long-term heart damage, known as rheumatic heart disease. Treating RA fever People can treat a mild fever at home by:staying hydratedgetting plenty of restkeeping the room cooltaking over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, that reduce fever Individuals should always check with a doctor before taking any medication. Treatments options that can help manage RA symptoms during a flare include:pain relief medication, such as acetaminophennonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofencorticosteroids If a person has a high fever that persists, they should discuss it with a doctor or seek emergency medical help. Prevention Symptoms of RA may come and go. When symptoms are active, it is known as a flare. At other times, a person may have mild or no symptoms, which people call remission. It is not always possible to prevent RA, but treatment aims to reduce the frequency and severity of flares. Drugs that help do this include: disease-modifying antirheumatic drugsbiologicsanti-tumor necrosis factor agents These drugs suppress the immune system, reducing the risk of RA symptoms. However, they can leave a person more prone to other infections. Lifestyle habits that may help prevent flares include: avoiding or quitting smoking, if applicablelimiting alcohol intake, if applicablemaintaining a moderate weightbeing physically activeconsuming an anti-inflammatory diet with plenty of plant-based foods What are some natural remedies for RA? When to speak with a doctor According to recommendations from the CDC, people should consider seeking medical attention for a fever if:their temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or highertheir fever has lasted for more than 48 hoursthey have other symptoms that could indicate an infection Additionally, individuals with RA should contact a doctor if they experience any of the following:pain in new areasworsening symptomsadverse reactions to medicationjoint symptoms that last more than 1–2 days What happens during an RA flare? Takeaway Fever can be a symptom of RA. It can occur because of inflammation or because the drugs for treating the condition make people more susceptible to infections. Anyone with a temperature higher than 100.4°F (38°C) should contact a doctor. They can investigate to see if the reason for the fever is RA or another cause. Ways of managing a low grade fever at home include keeping cool, staying hydrated, and taking NSAIDs. Last medically reviewed on June 12, 2022Rheumatoid ArthritisRheumatologyImmune System / VaccinesMedically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M.D., FACR — By Jamie Eske — Updated on June 12, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageRheumatoid arthritis symptoms in womenMedically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD Rheumatoid arthritis causes many symptoms, including joint pain and stiffness. Learn more about the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in females here.READ MOREWhy does RA often occur in the joints of the hands?Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune condition wherein the immune system attacks the lining between the joints. Learn more here.READ MOREWhat is the link between psoriatic arthritis and the immune system?Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD Although the exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown, there are connections between immune health, the symptoms of PsA, and the treatment…READ MOREHow it works: Immune suppression and rheumatoid arthritisMedically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD This article explores why doctors use immune suppression to treat rheumatoid arthritis, types of medications used, and risks and considerations.READ MORERheumatoid arthritis: How chronic inflammation affects the brain A new study shows how rheumatoid arthritis inflammation affects different brain areas. The findings may explain the cognitive symptoms of the…READ MORE