‘Rheumatoid arthritis can be managed’

Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease that damages the body’s connective tissues, especially the synovial joints. Commonly referred to as RA, it is a major cause of disability in old people. RA is one of many autoimmune diseases caused by the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues. RA affects women three times more than men. To understand the condition, you must know the symptoms, causes and treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

Causes: The cause of RA remains unknown, but the most common theory is that the immune system suddenly malfunctions, turning on itself and attacking the body’s own tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis also tends to run in families, meaning one’s risk of developing RA increases if a close relative has the disease or another autoimmune condition. In fact, some researchers believe that genes associated with the immune system may trigger RA.

Environmental factors may also play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. One other popular theory is that there is a connection between infectious microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, and the development of RA. Because 70 per cent of people with RA are women, scientists are concerned that female hormones may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases like RA.

Symptoms: Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis today. The disease affects the small joints of the body, including the wrists, fingers, elbows, shoulders and feet more. Your joints may ache and feel warm to touch due to chronic inflammation. It also causes fatigue that cannot be relieved by rest, which is often the first sign of rheumatoid arthritis.

As inflammation is systemic, you may also have fever, loss of appetite and blood disorders. In addition, the chronic inflammation caused by RA is often damaging to the joints and connective tissues, resulting in joint deformities, decreased range of motion and disability. Some people with RA also have nodules on the joints that develop as a result of chronic inflammation. In some severe cases, rheumatoid arthritis may attack the heart, lungs and kidneys.

Treatments: At one time, physicians used a “wait and see” approach to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but we now know that treating the disease early on is essential for preventing joint damage and disability. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are commonly used as a first-line treatment for RA and help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. Because the immune system is involved in the symptoms of RA, phyto-therapy medications that suppress the immune system are very effective at slowing down the disease and reducing chronic inflammation. I have some preparations that I use in treating the condition. They are not available in the market because they are clients based/prepared.

Complications: The most common complication of rheumatoid arthritis is damage to the joints and surrounding tissues. With treatment, this damage can be controlled in most cases. RA also increases your risk for heart attack and stroke due to hardening of the arteries. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the sac that encloses your heart. In addition, people with RA sometimes experience shortness of breath due to inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. Because RA causes swelling and inflammation in the joints, the nerves and surrounding tissues can also be affected. However, complications can be minimized with early diagnosis and treatment. If you suspect that you or a loved one has RA, talk to your practitioner who specialises in joint disorders.

 

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