As previously mentioned the rheumatoid joint is a chronic disease
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune condition where an immune system attack normal tissues as if it were invading antigens. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissues surrounding the joints as well as other organs in the body. The feet and hands are among the most affected regions of rheumatoid arthritis , but it can affect any joint that is lined with membrane. Rheumatoidarthritis is known as a systemic illness and is sometimes referred to as rheumatoid disorder.
Rheumatoid arthritis is manifested over the course of several months. For certain people, the condition manifests in a matter of minutes. Rapid the onset of rheumatoid arthritis however does not mean that the patient is at a higher risk for the progress of the condition. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that can last for years with no symptoms. However, it is a condition that gets worse and could cause joint destruction and functional impairment. Most patients experience episodes ranging from mild to severe symptoms. Based on research, rheumatoid arthritis occurs three times more prevalent for women than men. It also affects all races equally. Rheumatoid arthritis may begin at any age , however it will most usually begin in the beginning of the fortys.
What is the cause of rheumatoid arthritis? The reality is that the causes remain a mystery. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi have been long suspected, but none has been proved to be the reason. The root cause of rheumatoidarthritis has been the subject of numerous research projects. There are some researchers who believe that the propensity to develop rheumatoidarthritis could be genetically passed down through the generations. Other believe that certain elements in the environment can trigger an immune system that attacks the body’s tissues and components. The result is inflammation of different organs, including the lungs and eyes.
Researchers have also observed that environmental influences could be a factor in the genesis of the rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists have found that smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The signs of rheumatoid arthritis depend on the level of inflammation in the tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is believed to be active when the tissues in the body are inflamed. When tissue inflammation decreases the rheumatoid joint is believed to be in the process of remission. Remissions can occur spontaneously or after treatment, and may be sustained for weeks, months or even for years. In the case of active rheumatoid symptoms are experienced. It can be characterized by hunger, fatigue and low-grade fever and joint and muscle aches. Joint stiffness and muscles are typically felt in the mornings or following a period of absence. In Relapses (from the inactivity phase to active) of rheumatoid joint, joints can become tender, red, swelling and tender. This is because the tissue surrounding joints get affected, resulting in overproduction of fluids in joints.
Multiple joints tend to be involved in an asymmetrical pattern of inflammation and joints of both wrists and hands are commonly affected. Simple tasks like turning the knob of the door and opening the jars may be painful. Rheumatoid arthritis may also affect the joint that is responsible for tightening vocal cords, which alter the sound of the voice but it is not often. However, when it does it could cause hoarseness in the voice.
As previously mentioned the rheumatoid joint is a chronic disease that can affect various organs and regions of the body apart from joints. Sjorgen’s Syndrome is the swelling of glands in the mouth and eyes which results in dryness. Rheumatoid inflammation of lung lining can trigger chest pains as the lung tissue is inflamed. nodules of inflammation may also grow in the lung. Rheumatoid arthritis also decreases the quantity of blood red cells that may cause anemia and white blood cells, which could lead to an increase in chance of developing infections. A rare and serious complication of the rheumatic arthritis is inflammation of blood vessels which may reduce blood supply to tissues and cause tissue death.
A rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in arthritis as well as other diseases related to it. The rheumatologist examines the symptoms’ history and examines joints and other parts of the body to find the signs of inflammation. The diagnosis is typically determined by the patterns of symptoms, the location of the joints that are inflamed as well as the blood and the x-rays that are taken.
There is currently no treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Reduce joint pain and inflammation and maximizing joint function and preventing joint damage is the goal of current research for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Early intervention with medical treatment has proven to enhance results in the treatment. The best treatment is a combination of medication and joint strengthening exercises, joint protection, as well as education for patients. Treatment is individualized according to various factors, including diseases, the type of joints involved and overall health and age and the occupation. The most effective treatment happens when there is a close collaboration between the physician and the patient.