Rheumatoid Arthritis: Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Family history

  • Is there a history of frequent bone/joint disease in your family?

Social history

  • What is your profession?
  • Are you exposed to harmful influences such as inorganic dusts, especially quartz dusts or vibrations in your profession?

Current medical history/systemic anamnesis (somatic and psychological complaints).

  • Have you noticed flu-like symptoms such as fatigue and weakness recently?
  • Do you have increased joint pain and/or joint swelling? If so, which joint is affected?
  • Have the symptoms been unilateral or symmetrical?
  • Are the movements of the affected joints restricted?
  • Have you noticed morning stiffness of the affected joints?
  • Have you noticed any restriction of joint movement?
  • Have you noticed any nodule formation in the area of the affected joints?
  • Do you notice any other symptoms such as pale skin or fatigue?
  • Have you noticed any enlargement of the lymph nodes?
  • Do you suffer from dry eyes and / or mucous membranes?

Vegetative anamnesis incl. nutritional anamnesis.

  • Are you overweight? Please tell us your body weight (in kg) and height (in cm).
  • Do you have a balanced diet?
    • Do you eat a lot of pork and pork products and tuna?
  • Do you get enough exercise every day?
  • Do you smoke? If so, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day?

Self history including medication history.

  • Pre-existing conditions (bone / joint disease).
  • Surgeries
  • Allergies
  • Environmental history (inorganic dusts, vibrations (jackhammer); quartz dusts).
  • Medication history