Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy > Conditions and therapies > Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) > Glossary
Rheumatoid arthritis glossary
PrintSelect any letter to skip to that section of the glossary:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
analgesic: A medication used to relieve pain
anemia: A condition characterized by low red blood cell count
antibody: A protein that cells of the immune system release in response to a foreign invader in the body, such as an infection
antigen: A substance that causes the body to create antibodies against it; can be a foreign substance from outside of the body or a substance created in the body
antinuclear antibodies (ANA): A specific antibody or protein, sometimes found in rheumatoid arthritis patients
arthroscopy: A procedure that allows a doctor to view the inside of a joint using a small camera; can be used to perform surgery to remove bone and cartilage fragments that cause inflammation
autoimmune disorder: A disease in which a person's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue
B
biologic response modifiers (BRMs): Medications that target specific parts of the immune system that cause the inflammation in RA
C
cartilage: A type of tissue primarily found in the joints
chronic: Long-lasting, long-term, or recurring frequently
corticosteroid: Medication that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation
cytokine: A protein released by many cells that controls the body’s immune response
D
disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD): A type of medication that has the potential to reduce or prevent joint damage, preserve joint function, and maintain the ability to do desired activities
E
enzyme: A naturally occurring chemical substance in the body that helps chemical reactions occur
erythrocyte: Term for a red blood cell
erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): A measure of how quickly red blood cells settle; a higher rate is associated with increased inflammation in the body
F
flare: A worsening of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
G
gene: The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to child
H
HLA-DR4: A gene that determines susceptibility to certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
human leukocyte antigen (HLA): A group of genes that create proteins unique to an individual
I
immune system: The body's defense against infection and disease
infection: Invasion of the body by organisms, such as bacteria or viruses, which can cause disease
inflammation: Swelling, the body’s protective response to injury or tissue damage
infusion: A liquid form of medication, usually given directly into a vein
interleukin-1: A type of cytokine, or protein, that controls the immune system
intramuscular: Injection into a muscle
intravenous: Injection into a vein
J
joint: The connecting point of two or more bones
L
ligament: Fibrous tissue that connects bones and cartilage
lymphoma: A cancer of part of the immune system called the lymphatic system
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID): A type of pain medication used to reduce pain and swelling
O
osteoporosis: A condition characterized by loss of bone mass, which may cause bones to become fragile and more likely to break
osteotomy: A type of surgery in which bone is cut to shorten, lengthen, or change its position
P
pannus: A growth composed of thickened synovium
protein: A building block for the body's cells, tissues, and organs
R
remission: Period of time when symptoms subside or go away completely
rheumatoid arthritis (RA): A chronic disease affecting the joints that can lead to swelling, stiffness, pain, and difficulty moving
rheumatoid factor (RF): A type of protein found in the bloodstream of people with RA; presence is used to confirm a diagnosis of RA
rheumatoid nodules: Soft tissue lumps often found on elbows or hands of people with RA
rheumatologist: A doctor specializing in treating patients with arthritis and other joint diseases
S
scleritis: A condition caused by inflammation of blood vessels in the eye that can damage the cornea, or the clear portion of the eye
sjogren's syndrome: A condition characterized by dry eyes and mouth, and discolored spots on the face
subcutaneous: Just under the surface of the skin
symmetrical: Equal in distribution; affecting both sides
synovectomy: A surgery to remove damaged joint lining
synovial fluid: A fluid that serves as a lubricant for the joints and tendons
synovium: Tissue that lines the joints and produces synovial fluid
T
tendon: A fibrous cord that connects muscle to bone
tumor necrosis factor: A type of protein released by cells after exposure to an antigen; causes an inflammatory response
Information provided does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional.