Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis, commonly known as RA, is one of the most dreaded forms of arthritis. A person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis experiences pain, swelling and chronic inflammation of the joints. In addition, it can also lead to an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the affected joint as well as other organs. Hence, medical practitioners term rheumatoid arthritis as a systemic ailment as it tends to spread to other organs of the body.

Since, it affects the joints, many rheumatoid sufferers find it difficult to perform even the simplest of routine tasks. For instance, they might find it difficult to open a jar, brush their teeth or to drive a car.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Rheumatoid Nodules: Many sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis often complain of an appearance of firm lumps under pressure points such elbows, hands feet, fingers etc.
• Pain in the affected joints: Rheumatoid sufferers also experience severe pain in the affected joint. This pain is more prominent in the joints of hand and feet.
• Fatigue and lack of appetite: Many patients often feel fatigued, which is accompanied by lack of appetite.
• Chest pain: Many rheumatoid arthritis sufferers also experience chest pains, which is particularly felt while coughing and taking deep breaths. This pain is due to the inflammation of the linings of the lungs. Chest pain can also be attributed to the inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart, known in medical parlance as pericardium.
• Sjögren’s syndrome: People affected with rheumatoid arthritis may also display Sjögren’s syndrome. A person is said to have Sjögren’s syndrome, when there is an inflammation of the eye glands as well as the glands of mouth, which causes dryness and reduction in the formation of tears and saliva.
• Stiffness of joints: Rheumatoid arthritis also causes stiffness of joints and muscles. Hence, many sufferers complain that they are unable to move the affected joint, especially after sleeping or long period of rests. Many people also find it difficult to get up after remaining seated for long hours.
• Swelling and Redness: Those afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis also state that at times, their joints swell and redden. The affected joints also appear to be more tender than rest of the joints.

Causes of rheumatoid arthritis:

Humans possess one of the most complex immune systems, which is entrusted with the task of protecting the body. Any hint of foreign invaders [in the form of germs and foreign bodies] will automatically press the immune system into action, which will ultimately seek to destroy the invaders.

However, at times, the body fails to recognize its own cells and tissues and classifies them as foreign invaders. This prompts the immune system to act against its own brethren. This condition is medically termed ‘autoimmunity’.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease as the immune system is prompted to attack the joints, which causes inflammation and pain. Many from the medical fraternity are of the opinion that bacteria, fungi and viruses can cause rheumatoid arthritis. However, there has been no conclusive proof on this.

Other factors:

• Genes: People having HLA-DR4, a genetic marker are more at risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, doctors believe that in some cases, the ailment can be triggered off by genetic factors.
• Gender: Medical practitioners have noted that women are two or three times likely to fall victims to rheumatoid arthritis than men. Women aged between 20-50 are more prone than others. Studies have revealed that risk of getting affected with rheumatoid arthritis increases after delivering a baby.
• Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of falling victim to rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis:

There is no permanent cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, modern health care systems seek to improve the living conditions for the sufferers of this dreaded disease.

Drug Treatment may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen etc. which relieves inflammation as well as pain, symptoms that are common in case of patients having rheumatoid arthritis.
• Corticosteroids: These are prescribed to relieve pain, inflammation and to stop the disease from spreading onto other joints.
• Disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Medical practitioners also prescribe drugs such as hydroxychloroquin, sulfasalazin etc. in the early stage of the disease to prevent its progression.

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Do not take this as medical advice. Please consult with your physician before trying any of these ideas.

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