Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that affects whole systems of body particularly cardiovascular system, nerves, respiratory system (RACGP, 2009). The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown but it is hereditary which assists to have a risk of rheumatoid arthritis by 50%-60% (RACGP, 2009).

Rheumatoid Arthritis, what is it? The word Rheumatoid comes from the Greek word referring to rheumatism, which means any painful disorder from the joints. Arthritis means inflammation of the joint. (William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979). Putting these two words together Rheumatoid Arthritis creates a disorder. The pathophysiology of RA is that it is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory autoimmune disease which means that this disorder is attacking your own body (Silvestri, 2013).

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

Rhematoid Arthritis – Is an autoimmune disease which can cause chronic inflammation of body`s organs, joints, and the surrounding tissue of the joints. It can

Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA) is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. RA is a progressive and debilitating musculoskeletal disorder that affects the joints symmetrically, causing a range of systemic effects. What it causes is still not well known; nevertheless, findings of new research points towards a believe that it is triggered by a defective immune system, which causes the release of inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals cause damage to cartilage and bone, usually affecting the wrists, the joints of the hand, including the knuckles, the middle joints of the fingers and feet. While this condition can affect any joints, besides, important body organs such as the eyes and the lungs can also be affected by the inflammation that occurs as a result of this chronic condition. Only in America 1.3 million of people are affected by this ailment, and 75 % of them are mainly women. Its onset usually occurs between fourth and sixth decades; however, RA can occur at any age("Diseases And

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease that is systemic in nature but primarily targets and damages the synovial joints. It is characterized by painful, swollen, stiff joints, which manifest primarily in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet. RA is more common among women than men and increases in prevalence with age, however it can also occur in young adults and children (Lee & Weinblatt, 2001).

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in the general family of lupus. For reasons that are not understood, in rheumatoid arthritis the immune system goes awry and begins attacking tissues, especially cartilage in the joints. Various joints become red, hot, and swollen under the onslaught. The pattern of inflammation is usually symmetrical, occurring on both sides of the body. Other symptoms include inflammation of the eyes, nodules (or lumps) under the skin, and a general feeling of malaise.

To begin with, rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that can be spread by genetics, hormones, lifestyle, and environment. Scientists don’t know what exactly causes rheumatoid arthritis, but they do know it’s the result of an autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder is created when immune cells start to attack the body. With rheumatoid arthritis, the body attacks its own healthy joint tissue called the synovia. The synovia is what makes a clear liquid substance known as synovial fluid. Synovial fluid lubricates healthy joints and gives cartilage and bones the nourishment needed to remain effective and mobile. When rheumatoid arthritis starts antibodies are made and begin to release chemicals that cause inflammation to the synovia, stopping its ability to make its synovial fluid. The less amount of synovial fluid that’s made, the more

Rheumatoid Arthritis or (RA) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints and connective tissue. The result is inflammation that produces permanent damage in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic syndrome that tends to be progressive and destructive as compared to Osteoarthritis or (OA), which is more of an age related disease caused by “wear and tear” of the joints. In contrast to (OA), rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation mostly of the joints, but is a general body disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic-autoimmune disease where antibodies attack the joints. This disease currently affects 1.5 million peoples in the United States and is the leading cause of pain and disability. The cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is still unknown, but hormones and environmental factors may play a role. Rheumatoid arthritis can be a progressive disease where there an inflammatory response and degrading of articular cartilage. These changes to the joints are irreversible and is more commonly seen in women then men. Rheumatoid arthritis is most commonly found in the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles. Not only can rheumatoid arthritis affect the joints, it can also

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily attacks all synovial joints. RA is the second most common form of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common (Clements, 2011). It can occur at any age, however it generally affects those between the age of 30 and 50 (Marieb and Hoehn, 2013). If left untreated, active rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint damage, frailty, a decrease in quality of life, cardiovascular disorders along with other dire consequences (Scott, Wolfe, & Huizinga, 2010).

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease where the body’s immune system attacks the joints and other healthy cells. This creates inflammation inside of the joints, which then causes swelling and pain in and around the joints. If inflammation goes unchecked,

Most evidence today support the concept that the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis has its bases in an inflammatory response involving the immune system. Other theory of causation include genetic factors, infectious agents and an antigen-antibody response. It is unlikely that a single factor is responsible for all cases of rheumatoid arthritis.

People have long feared rheumatoid arthritis (commonly called RA) as one of the most disabling types of arthritis. The good news is that the outlook has greatly improved for many people with newly diagnosed and detected RA. Of course, RA remains a serious disease, and one that can vary widely in symptoms and outcomes. Even so, treatment advances have made it possible to stop or at least slow the worsening of joint damage. Rheumatologists now have many new treatments that target the inflammation that RA causes. They also understand better when and how to use treatments to get the best effects.

In addition to the discussion I would like to briefly explain the pathophysiology of RA. The interaction of genetic risk factors, environment and the immune systems are the main pathogens in RA. Regardless of the initial factors, RA progresses, when an amino acid required for protein synthesis is converted from arginine to citrulline (called citrullination), which alters the structure and function of the proteins. The body's immune system does not recognise these citrullinated proteins as self, and so begins to attack the immune system and occurs persistent inflammation of the synovium and bone destruction. Ongoing damage in the joint causes persistent inflammation and generates large amounts of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. Circulation of high levels of these pro-inflammatory mediators causes the synovial joint inflammation (Casey 2015).