Question

What are the symptoms of pain, aches, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling in more than one joint, symmetrical symptoms, weight loss, fever, fatigue, and weakness?

1) Headache, cough, and sore throat
2) Shortness of breath and chest pain
3) Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
4) Joint pain, morning stiffness, and redness

Answer 1

The symptoms described suggest a condition like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, which are characterised by joint discomfort along with systemic features such as fever and weight loss. These are autoimmune disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described - pain, aches, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling in more than one joint, symmetrical symptoms, weight loss, fever, fatigue, and weakness - are indicative of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. This type of arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks one's joints, causing inflammation and resulting in the symptoms mentioned. Other inflammatory conditions like lupus also share similar symptoms, characterized by fever, fatigue, and skin manifestations along with joint pain. Osteoarthritis can also cause joint discomfort; however, it is usually not symmetrical and does not include systemic symptoms like weight loss or fever.