What is it about rheumatoid arthritis that gets everyone scared even with just the thought of getting it later in life? The obvious reason is because of the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, a result of the inflammation of the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis can limit the mobility of a person and can leave him dull, lifeless and frustrated because he can no longer live his life the way he want it to be. But what makes rheumatoid arthritis scary is the fact that it can affect other body parts like the heart, muscles and blood vessels.
People who have Rheumatoid Arthritis can experience a weakening of their immune systems leading to an attack on the joints. It is called an autoimmune illness because the immune system of the person mistakenly attacks its own body.
Normally, the immune system of a person is designed to attack unknown invaders in the body of a person. With Rheumatoid Arthritis, the antibodies that are supposed to protect the person from invaders attack the host body instead of giving it protection.
A person who has Rheumatoid Arthritis can suffer from it for a long time and even during his entire lifetime because it is chronic. In the long run, this disease will destroy other organs of the body which can result to other illnesses.
Unlike most diseases, a person will never know how and why he has been afflicted with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Scientists all over the world are still at a quandary as to the real cause of this chronic disease. Others believe that Rheumatoid Arthritis is generally inherited through the genes.
While the genes can be big factor in getting Rheumatoid Arthritis, the lifestyle of a person can also hasten the onset of the disease. A person who smokes is more prone to getting Rheumatoid Arthritis than a person who does not smoke.
So how does one know that he already has this chronic disease? The symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis can be present one moment and disappear again when the disease has ceased to be active. Thus, some people have a tendency to ignore seeking the help of a doctor when they first feel the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Among the symptoms that may be felt by those who have Rheumatoid Arthritis are stiffness and fatigue in their muscles, especially during morning and after a long period of rest. Joints usually turn red and painful when the disease I active.
A person who has Rheumatoid Arthritis can find even the simplest daily activities like standing, and holding objects quite painful. When the periods of attack become frequent, there is a chance that it will cause damage to the cartilage, tissues and the bones of a person.
Some people suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis can experience hoarseness especially when the disease has affected the joints of the vocal chords. Others can experience dryness in their eyes and even the mouth area during an arthritis attack. When the disease attacks the lungs, the person can experience sever coughing or difficulty in breathing.
While there is as yet no established cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis, a person who has the disease can find ways to reduce the pain and the debilitating effects of the disease. It is important that the person suffering from arthritis should regularly consult with his doctor to alleviate his suffering as well as the possible effects of the disease to other body parts.
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