Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that probably would affect many tissues and organs, but it mainly attacks the synovial joints. Autoimmune diseases can be described as illnesses that occur when the body's tissues are mistakenly attacked by their own immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis is also classified as a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder and can typically cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints. Medically, this disease invariably leads to the destruction of articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis can result in a series of disorders like diffuse inflammation in the lungs, sclera, pleura and pericardium. Nodular lesions, most common in subcutaneous tissue under the skin, are also known to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Why rheumatoid arthritis occurs and its root causes are yet to be unraveled. Autoimmunity is however suspected to play a leading role in both its progression and chronicity.
Although infectious agents like the viruses, fungi and bacteria have been suspected for a long time, none of them are yet to be proven as the cause which is still a mystery. It has also been long suspected that certain factors or infections in the environment, which might for instance include smoking, trigger the activation of the immune system in susceptible individuals causing rheumatoid arthritis.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are manifold. They keep coming and going depending on the degree of tissue inflammation. While active, the symptoms can include muscle and joint aches, stiffness, loss of energy, fatigue, low-grade fever and lack of appetite. The muscle and joint stiffness are very notable in the mornings and after any long periods of inactivity.
There has been no known permanent remedy or cure for rheumatoid arthritis till date and the goal of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis focuses on reducing joint inflammation and pain, maximizing the joint function, and preventing joint destruction and deformity. Individuals undergo customized treatment for rheumatoid arthritis that would be dependent on many factors such as disease activity, patient's occupation, types of joints involved, age and general health.
Several treatment options are available for rheumatoid arthritis. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, including steroids, are used to suppress the symptoms. Disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs are often required to inhibit or stop the underlying immune process and avoid any long-term damage. Non-pharmacological treatment includes physical therapy, nutritional therapy, occupational therapy and orthoses. Recently, the newer group of biologics has resulted in increased treatment options.
Rheumatoid arthritis can result in a series of disorders like diffuse inflammation in the lungs, sclera, pleura and pericardium. Nodular lesions, most common in subcutaneous tissue under the skin, are also known to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Why rheumatoid arthritis occurs and its root causes are yet to be unraveled. Autoimmunity is however suspected to play a leading role in both its progression and chronicity.
Although infectious agents like the viruses, fungi and bacteria have been suspected for a long time, none of them are yet to be proven as the cause which is still a mystery. It has also been long suspected that certain factors or infections in the environment, which might for instance include smoking, trigger the activation of the immune system in susceptible individuals causing rheumatoid arthritis.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are manifold. They keep coming and going depending on the degree of tissue inflammation. While active, the symptoms can include muscle and joint aches, stiffness, loss of energy, fatigue, low-grade fever and lack of appetite. The muscle and joint stiffness are very notable in the mornings and after any long periods of inactivity.
There has been no known permanent remedy or cure for rheumatoid arthritis till date and the goal of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis focuses on reducing joint inflammation and pain, maximizing the joint function, and preventing joint destruction and deformity. Individuals undergo customized treatment for rheumatoid arthritis that would be dependent on many factors such as disease activity, patient's occupation, types of joints involved, age and general health.
Several treatment options are available for rheumatoid arthritis. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, including steroids, are used to suppress the symptoms. Disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs are often required to inhibit or stop the underlying immune process and avoid any long-term damage. Non-pharmacological treatment includes physical therapy, nutritional therapy, occupational therapy and orthoses. Recently, the newer group of biologics has resulted in increased treatment options.
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This writer also frequently writes on topics like the kids step stool and rolling briefcase.
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