Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that generally attacks the joints. It affects mostly women, but men can get it, as well. Unfortunately, it's not confined to the joints. It can inflame tissues and organs, too, and that can be very dangerous. That's one of the reasons why it's so very important to have general info on rheumatoid arthritis and understand its signs and symptoms. An understanding of it can lead to prompt treatment that a person may otherwise not have gotten.
The causes of rheumatoid arthritis vary. There is a genetic component, but there are other reasons a person can develop it. In some cases, doctors aren't sure why a particular person has developed rheumatoid arthritis. It's considered an autoimmune disorder, and it can be very serious if it's not treated at all. In addition to the pain and stiffness in the joints, a person with rheumatoid arthritis can find that his or her organs are not working as effectively.
Inflammation in the body can lead to inflammation in the arteries and veins, which can contributed to hardening of the arteries, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular problems. Naturally, these are all things that people would like to avoid. With that being the case, doctors and scientists have worked to find treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. There are medications that can be taken, but they do not reverse the disease. They only slow down the progression of it and ease the symptoms.
Having general info on rheumatoid arthritis means that a person who is starting to develop it might notice the condition sooner and seek treatment. Usually, pain and stiffness in the joints is a common symptom. Other people also get some joint swelling and the joints may be tender if they are pressed or squeezed. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause deformities of the fingers if it's not treated, because the joints are affected so strongly by the disease.
Because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, the body is essentially attacking itself. The immune system thinks that something is wrong with the body, even though there's really nothing wrong. When that happens, the immune system starts attacking whatever it perceives as the problem. That can be devastating, especially for people who use their hands a lot for the work they do. The pain and stiffness and swelling can soon become unbearable, and medications to control the immune system are often necessary.
The downside to these rheumatoid arthritis medications, is that the immune system is suppressed. While that slows the rheumatoid arthritis, it also makes it easier for the person to get sick with a cold, the flu, or other infections. If you get an infection while taking medication for rheumatoid arthritis, you may get very, very sick – much more so than you otherwise would – because your immune system can't fight it off very well.
People who have rheumatoid arthritis should be aware of this, because they'll be taking a risk with their medication and health. However, they will likely find that it's a much bigger risk not to take the medication at all, because the rheumatoid arthritis can have a very significant impact on their health.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints and the tissues around the joints. It may affect the functions of other organs of the body. While symptoms may be absent for long periods even after the condition has set in, it is a progressive illness that causes functional disability.
While the cause of the disease is unknown, infectious agents like viruses, fungi and bacteria are the chief suspects. Research shows that it may be genetically inherited. The attack of the body tissues by its own immune system is also a factor, although what triggers it to happen is a subject of immense research.
Symptoms vary depending on the degree of inflammation. The disease is in remission or inactive when the inflammation subsides. Remissions are spontaneous and can last for several weeks or even months with proper treatment. Typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are fatigue, loss of energy, lack of appetite, low grade fever, muscle and joint pain and stiffness.
The pattern of symptoms and the distribution of the inflamed joints form the basis for diagnosis of the disease. A rheumatologist is the best person to deal with when diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests and X-ray findings are used to establish the presence of the disease in an individual.
There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The efforts of the doctors are always aimed at reducing inflammation and pain, maximizing joint mobility and to prevent deformity. Optimal treatment includes a combination of medication and rest. Joint strengthening exercises, joint protection and involving the family of the affected person in providing adequate support to the patient helps in overcoming the problems posed by rheumatoid arthritis.
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