Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Joints
Description
Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the tissues that line bone joints and cartilage. The disease occurs throughout the body, although some joints may be more affected than other
Chronic Inflammatory Polyarthritis (arthritis that affects 5 or more joints)
Has 3 Possible Disease courses
Monocyclic: Have only one episode that ends within 2 to 5 years of initial diagnosis. This may result from early diagnosis or aggressive treatment.
Polycyclic: The levels of disease activity fluctuate over the course of the condition.
- Progressive: RA continues to increase in severity and does not go away.
Causes
The causes for the disease is unknown, but it is believed to be modifiable risk factors that include reproductive hormonal exposures, tobacco use, dietary factors, and microbial exposures.
Cure, Prevention, Management
Cure:
- There is no cure.
Prevention:
- There are no proven methods of prevention.
Management:
- Medication
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARS's)
- Common Side Effects: Nausea, Skin rashes, Headaches, Dizziness, Sore throat, Fever, Wheeziness, Unexplained bruises, Bleeding or paleness, Symptoms of infection
- Corticosteroids/Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID;s)
Common Side Effects: Weight gain, Gastrointestinal disturbance, Fluid retention, High blood pressure, Heart problems, Kidney problems, Cardiovascular risks, Raskes
- Other Ways
- Heat and Ice packs
- Therapies
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Increase intake of fish oil
- Exercise
- Massages
Who is most likely to be affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis?
It usually occurs 2-3 times higher in women than men. It's most common for people in their 60s for both men and women.