Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder or an autoimmune disease that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints. The pathology of the disease process often leads to the destruction of articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body’s tissues are mistakenly attacked by their own immune system.
Rheumatoid arthritis can also produce diffuse inflammation in the lungs, pericardium, pleura, and sclera, and also nodular lesions, most common in subcutaneous tissue under the skin. Although the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still a mystery, autoimmunity plays a pivotal role in both its chronicity and progression.
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Even though infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi have long been suspected, none has been proven as the cause. It is also suspected that certain infections or factors in the environment might trigger the activation of the immune system in susceptible individuals. Environmental factors, like smoking, also seem to play some role in causing rheumatoid arthritis.
Depending on the degree of tissue inflammation, the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis keep appearing and disappearing. When active, the disease symptoms can include lack of appetite, loss of energy, fatigue, low-grade fever, stiffness and muscle and joint aches; muscle and joint stiffness are especially notable after periods of inactivity and in the mornings.
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.
The author also frequently writes on subjects such as the kids step stool and rolling briefcase.
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