500 words Short essay

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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, your immune system loses its ability to differentiate self from non-self and begins to attack your body.

• In rheumatoid arthritis, the attack affects cartilage in the joints. Using what you have learned about the immune response, what symptoms would you predict?
• How would the normal functioning of the immune system lead to these symptoms?
• What might a physician prescribe for rheumatoid arthritis?
• Why is rheumatoid arthritis considered an autoimmune disease?
• Based on your research, if you suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, besides taking medication, what steps could you take to help alleviate your symptoms?