Rheumatoid Arthritis is a very serious disease, which is actually a great deal different than other types of arthritis. However, it shares a number of the same symptoms, including joint discomfort and joint stiffness.
One of the major differences about this type of joint disorder is that it is caused by an autoimmune response in the body. An autoimmune response is when the persons own body begins to attack healthy cells and organs. Not only can rheumatoid arthritis effect joints, but it can also cause damage to other organs in the body.
Another big difference between this kind of arthritis and other common types of arthritis, like osteoarthritis, is that rheumatoid arthritis usually attacks joints in a symmetrical manner. This means that if rheumatoid arthritis is present in one knee, it will usually also be present in the other knee. The autoimmune response is brought about by bone and tissue eating enzymes that are released around affected joints, in an effort to control the swelling. However, the enzymes not only attack damaged tissue, but they also attack the cartilage and tissue that is still healthy.
Like other more common types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can be found in people of any age. However, those between the ages of thirty and sixty are more likely to be diagnosed with this disorder. The disease is also significantly more common among females, with smoking also being a factor that increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Across the world, about 1% of the total world population has rheumatoid arthritis.
There are a number of common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including a reduction in mobility and joint swelling. However, unlike osteoarthritis, which is characterized by morning joint discomfort that lasts for less than 30 minutes, joint discomfort usually lasts for at least an hour for those with this type of arthritis. It is also common for a sensation of general unease, referred to as Malaise, to develop. In addition, dry mouth, dry eyes, tiredness, reduced hunger, fever, and fatigue may also be present.
It can be incredibly hard for doctors to diagnose this disease, because there is no actual test for the disease. Instead a combination of reviewing the patients history, considering their symptoms, preforming blood tests, and taking x-rays is usually used to help determine if the individual has rheumatoid arthritis.
Even though there is no cure for this disease, it can be treated, but it is incredibly important to diagnose the disease as soon as is possible, to reduce the damage it can cause. Often, many of the normal arthritis treatments are used, which include eating healthily, trying to reduce excess weight, and preforming light exercise. However, a number of other medications exists that can help counteract its effects.
No one knows for sure what causes the disease, but a commonly held belief among scientists and researchers is that in an individual who is genetically predisposed to developing the disease, a triggering event will occur that causes it to develop.
No comments:
Post a Comment