Do you have questions pneumonia or arthritis related?
Please send them!
If you have a question related to arthritis, please fill the form bellow.
1. It is a must to provide a valid email, unless you want your questions to be ignored.
We won't make your email public, but we like to talk with live persons.
2. To protect
your identity, take care the name you fill. We make public your name exactly as it is.
|
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints, where it causes inflammation (arthritis) and destruction. RA may attack and some organs, such as the lungs and skin.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be a disabling and painful condition, which can lead to important loss of functioning and mobility. It is diagnosed with blood tests (especially a test called rheumatoid factor) and X-rays. Diagnosis and long-term management are typically performed by a rheumatologist, an expert in the diseases of joints and connective tissues.
Causes
The main problem is that the exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown. As consequence, rheumatoid arthritis has no cure. Early, aggressive treatment only can help manage the inflammatory process, and better control pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
Day by day researchers are gaining a better understanding that helps them see how the
immune system and genetic factors generate the inflammatory processes which causes
development of rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis affects people differently. No two rheumatoid arthritis cases are
exactly the same. There is so much variety in symptoms, some researchers suspect
rheumatoid arthritis is not one disease but perhaps several diseases with commonalities.
It's important for you, the patient, to recognize the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid
arthritis. Because rheumatoid arthritis usually develops gradually, some patients
experience sudden onset of symptoms; one day they are in perfect shape and the next they
are dealing with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Among commonly symptoms associated with
rheumatoid arthritis, we can mention:
Joint pain, joint swelling, joint stiffness, and warmth around the affected joint
Joint deformity and instability from damage to cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bone
Limited range of motion in affected joints
Morning stiffness which lasts one or more hours
Symmetrical pattern of affected joints, meaning the same joint on both sides of the body is affected (e.g., both knees)
Small joints of the hands and feet are characteristically involved, although any joint can be affected
Rheumatoid nodules (firm lumps under the skin), found on elbows and hands of about one-fifth of rheumatoid arthritis patients
Noticeable loss of energy and fatigue
Low grade fevers and sometimes flu-like symptoms
Weight loss, loss of appetite, anemia associated with chronic diseases, depression
Dry eyes and dry mouth associated with a secondary condition Sjogren's syndrome
Flares and remission of disease activity is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis
Latest news about arthritis rheumatoid
Working environment is 1 cause of rheumatoid arthritis
It has long been known that environmental factors play a part in the development of rheumatoid arthritis;
smoking and drinking alcohol, along with heredity, are particularly instrumental in increasing the risk of
the disease.
[ read full medical news ]
|
|
