Diseases Similiar to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune form of the disease, so its symptoms go beyond muscles and joints. Since a patient may not have all of the symptoms at the same time it could be mistaken for another form of arthritis or a similar disease. A rheumatologist can use information gleaned from an examination and blood tests (starting with a rheumatoid factor) to distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from other conditions.
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Other Arthritis
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There are a number of other forms of arthritis that could be mistaken for the rheumatoid variety. Septic, fungal and viral arthritises, as well as Reiter's syndrome, are marked by inflammation and a general malaise. In addition, Lyme disease and fibromyalgia present with additional muscle pains and fatigue produces symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Gout can cause the same severe joint pain, as can osteoarthritis. The pain of bursitis is often mistaken for joint pain like that caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Cancer
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Many forms of cancer and leukemia can present themselves similarly to rheumatoid arthritis. Anemia, fatigue and overall lack of energy, as well as an occasional fever are signs of some forms of cancer, including lymphoma and leukemia. Severe bone pain and stiffness is present in bone cancer and other forms that have metastized (spread). Lung cancer and leukemia are two forms of cancer that can also indicate similar pulmonary problems to rheumatoid arthritis.
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Immune Disorders
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Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system is compromised, leaving patients with difficulty fighting off infection. This is also true of immune deficiency disorders such as HIV and AIDS. Lupus and scleroderma are often mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis because they are also autoimmune diseases. Those who suffer from these illnesses have difficulty staying healthy, and it's common for them to feel good one day and ill the next.
Infectious Diseases
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Illnesses caused by viral and bacterial infections can be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis. Bacterial hepatitis C and rheumatic fever have similar symptoms that can vary in severity. Rubella (German measles) is a virus that causes a fever and joint pain. Endocarditis, an inflammation of the membrane around the heart valves, is common in those with rheumatoid arthritis, so it is easy to misdiagnose the patient in this case.
Unusual Ailments
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There are also some uncommon diseases similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Familial Mediterranean fever is an inherited disease that causes recurring attacks of inflammation and fever. Whipple's disease results from a bacterial infection and can affect many organs in the body. Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a rare children's disease that could be mistaken for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, as inflammation can develop in joints. Kawasaki's disease, erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, systemic vasculitis and Behcet's disease are a few more imitators of rheumatoid arthritis.
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