Rheumatoid Arthritis : The Commonest Form Of Inflammatory Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis or “RA” is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own body tissues. This disease affects the lining of joints causing pain and swelling. Eventually the swelling can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. RA can happen to anyone at any age, but the majority of people who have to endure this disease are women over the age of 40.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. While inflammation of the tissue around the joints and inflammatory arthritis are characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis, the disease can also cause inflammation and injury in other organs in the

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic syndrome that is characterized by inflammation of the peripheral joints, but it may also involve the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and eyes. The prevalence of this autoimmune disease is between 0.3% to 1.5% of the population in the United States (Feinberg, pp 815). It affects women two to three times more often than men, and the onset of RA is usually between 25 and 50 years of age, but it can occur at any age (Reed, pp 584). RA can be diagnosed by establishing the presence of persistent joint pain, swelling in a symmetric distribution, and prolonged morning stiffness. RA usually affects multiple joints, such as the hands, wrists, knees, elbows, feet, shoulders, hips, and small

Around 70% of arthritis sufferers in the UK have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Women are also more likely to develop RA than men, and commonly affects adults between ages 50 and 60. This condition is characterised by an insidious onset of pain, swelling of joints and morning stiffness. Arthritis is caused by inflammation of the synovial tissue of the joints, supposedly triggered by the presence of autobodies such as rheumatoid factors. The first line treatment for RA is a combination of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). These slow down the progression of RA and treatment typically includes methotrexate in combination with another DMARD (e.g. sulphasalazine). Short term glucocorticoids are also used with DMARDS to manage flares of inflammation. Anti-TNF drugs

If ones doctor suspects RA they may perform blood test to check for protein in the blood (This is present in about 2 in 3 people with RA. However, about 1 in 20 of the normal population has rheumatoid factor), and x-rays of the hands and feet may be done to detect any early deformations of the joints. If an individual’s doctor suspects that they may have RA, they usually will refer the patient to a rheumatologist who specialize in the joints and this type of disease. There is no cure for RA, but proper treatment for RA can make a big difference in reducing symptoms and to improve quality of life. Some of the main aims of treatment are: to decrease the disease from progressing to prevent joint damage, to reduce pain and stiffness in the affected joints, to minimize any disability caused by pain, joint damage, or deformities. A common medication prescribed for RA are disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine. This can be with medication such as steroids, NSAIDS, and often times will treat with pain killers because the pain is so intense. Eating a healthy diet and excising is always

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of connective tissue in the diarthrodial (synovial) joints, typically with periods of remission and exacerbation (Lewis, Dirksen, Heitkemper, Bucher, & Camera, 2011). The etiology of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Autoimmunity and genetic factors are believed to be important in the development of RA. Genetic predisposition appears to be important in the development of RA (Lewis et al., 2011). The strongest evidence for a familial influence is the increased occurrence of a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) (Lewis et al., 2011). Smoking can increase the risk of RA for a person who has a genetic predisposition. Autoimmunity theory suggests that changes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects the cartilage in one 's joints, it is not curable, it can not be stopped, only the pain itself can be lessened. In an average person’s body, the immune system has one job; to attack foreign substances that may enter the body. With the 1.5 million people in the United States that have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, their bodies are “tricked” or mislead into thinking that the cartilage within their joints is what is foreign. Once their immune system attacks the joints, it causes inflammation within, which then in turn leads to the synovium (lining of the joints) tissue to thicken. The synovium makes a fluid that acts as a lubricant to the joints and helps everything move freely. Once that fluid is gone, swelling and pain is experienced next. After awhile, the cartilage within the joints begins to disintegrate and will eventually cripple the individual. Along with knowing exactly what RA is, by the end of this paper you will know signs and symptoms within the oral cavity and systemically, and you’ll be familiar with how nutrition is related to the progression of this disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a growing and life- changing disease in Australia, creating negative social and economic consequences for both the individual patient and society. A disorder in which the body attacks its own healthy cells and tissues resulting in limited movement and inflamed joints in the body. Rheumatoid Arthritis has been chosen as a National Health Priority Area as it is a prevalent disease and the conditions are a significant cause of disability. The topics being discussed in this essay will include the definition of the disease Rheumatoid Arthritis: reasons for inclusion as a priority health issue focusing on the incidence and prevalence in the Australian population, risk factors for developing Rheumatoid Arthritis and

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the musculoskeletal system. This means that certain cells of the immune system do not work properly and start attacking healthy tissues — the joints in RA. The cause of RA is not known. When inflammation occurs in the joint, immune cells release chemicals which attack the cartilage and bone, causing the swelling that leads to pain. This type of disease can cause many difficulties in the body itself. Such as pain, stiffness, swelling in joints, limited motion, loss of energy and appetite, low fevers, dry eyes and mouth, firm lumps at extremities and body discomforts. Rheumatoid arthritis mainly affects the small joints in the body like hands and feet. In rare cases, rheumatoid arthritis

In addition, the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis diseases can be similar that makes the diagnosing process inaccurate. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, “doctors use a variety of tools to diagnose the disease and to rule out other conditions.” [3] For example, doctors usually ask the patients about their family's medical history and observe the patients' ability to do daily living activities. After diagnosing the disease, doctors use several methods to treat the disease at different times depending on the patient’s condition. However, all doctors want the same goal, which is to relieve pain and stop the damage in the joints. Most people with rheumatoid arthritis take medications. For example, using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the inflammation. Furthermore, according to the Better Health Channel, “rest can help [patients] to manage fatigue, and is particularly important when [their] joints are swollen.” [4] Taking regular rest periods during activation will also reduce the pain and the

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory and autoimmune disease that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints, causing horrific symptoms such as immense pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of physical function (What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?). Joint pain which affects over seventy million Americans each year, can be discomfort, pain, or inflammation arising from any part of a joint, including cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons, or muscles (Rheumatoid Arthritis.). It is very common in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis, which is inflammation or pain from within the joint itself. It can be mild, causing soreness only after certain activities, or it can be severe making even limited movement, particularly bearing

Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include joint pain, tenderness, swelling or stiffness for six weeks or longer, morning stiffness for 30 minutes or longer, firm bumps of tissue under the skin on the arms (rheumatoid nodules), fatigue, loss of appetite and a low-grade fever. Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect smaller joints symmetrically first such as the wrist, certain joints of the hands, and feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the knees, ankles, elbows, hips and shoulders. Symptoms may flare (periods of increased disease activity) lasting for days or months. It is difficult to diagnose RA in its early stages because the signs and symptoms resemble other inflammatory diseases. No single test can confirm RA. The rheumatologist will ask questions about personal and family medical history as well as recent and current symptoms (pain, tenderness, stiffness, difficulty moving.) During the physical exam, the doctor will examine each joint, looking for tenderness, swelling, warmth and painful or limited movement. Blood tests will measure erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Although not specific to RA, these levels indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) are antibodies found in a large number of people with RA. An X-ray, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging scan may be recommended to look for joint

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that is described as “systematic inflammatory disease that manifests itself in multiple joints in the body”. (Center for Disease Control, 22 Jul. 2016) It is an autoimmune disease that affects millions in the US both directly and indirectly. RA affects both genders and is prevalent in people of all races and nationalities. Symptoms for RA include swollen or stiffness in joints, fatigue, and fever. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 18 Mar. 2016) Treatment for RA ranges from corticosteroids, to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to an aggressive treatment with non-biological disease-modifying antiheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (Arthritis Foundation National Office, Web. 5 Sep. 2016) Therapy with a physical or occupational therapist could assist with reducing inflammation and even pain through exercise motions, and provide relief in completing daily tasks. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 18 Mar. 2016).

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease that affects some 2 million people in the United States, roughly 1 to 2% of the population. It continues to be a mystery to many that study its origin. Rheumatoid Arthritis is commonly referred to as RA. It does not discriminate, it can wreak havoc on a wide range of people. It doesn’t care what your skin color is or where you reside or even your age. It is most common in people between the age of 40 and 60, but has been diagnosed in children as well. RA does seem to affect women more so than men. Some people say women are 3 times more likely to have it than men. This research paper examines Rheumatoid Arthritis in regards to: potential causes, its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and how people cope/live with it. RA is being studied around the world, various trails and experiments continue to test new developments. Some people experience symptoms like joint stiffness at a very young age. Not everyone that has RA experiences the same symptoms. Treatment can be so different from one Rheumatologist to another. Based on this research there is still quite a bit to learn about RA.

Discussion RA is a common autoimmune disease associated with progressive disability, systemic complications, early death, and high socioeconomic costs. RA is characterized by synovial infl ammation and hyperplasia (swelling), autoantibody production (RF and anti-CCP antibody), cartilage and bone destruction (deformity), and systemic features, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, psychological, and skeletal disorders [4]. A number of genetic and environmental factors contribute to disease onset and severity [8] In addition, a number of viral and bacterial pathogens, such as Epstein–Barr virus, parvovirus B19, hepatitis C virus, Proteus mirabilis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, may have a role in disease pathogenesis as well [9].Th e