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Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatoid Arthritis symptom, treatment, causes

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease (in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack one or more of the body's own tissues) characterised by persistent, progressivejoint inflammation and often general debility. The cause is unknown. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) usually begins between the ages of 25 and 50, and women are affected two to three times more often than men. The disease is called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis if the onset is before the age of 16.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body tissues are mistakenly attacked by its own immune system. It is a disabling and painful inflammatory condition, which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. RA is a systemic disease often affecting extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin , blood vessels , heart , lungs , and muscles. "Arthritis" is often used as a more general term to refer to the more than 100 rheumatic diseases that may affect the joints but can also cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in other supporting structures of the body such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Some rheumatic diseases can affect other parts of the body, including various internal organs. Children can develop almost all types of arthritis that affect adults, but the most common type that affects children is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The common Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis :

• The exact cause is unknown.
• It may be due to both genetic factors (from parents) and environmental factors (for example, from infections).
• The rheumatoid factor (IgM) is found in the blood and synovial fluid present in joints of 80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be a self-immune response to an unknown antigen and the antibody formed against rheumatoid arthritis is (rheumatoid factor), which is Immunoglobulin M (IgM).

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The onset may be sudden, with simultaneous inflammation in many joints, or it may be gradual, starting in one joint and extending to others. Joint symptoms are usually symmetrical, with hands, feet, wrists, elbows and ankles most often affected. The joints become red, swollen, painful and tender. Stiffness is worst first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Afternoon fatigue and malaise are common. Soft nodules sometimes appear under the skin, and bouts of mild fever may occur. Deformity of affected joints may develop rapidly or gradually. In about 1 in 5 patients with juvenile RA the onset is marked by high fever, rash, enlarged lymph glands and spleen, and abdominal or chest. pains. This type of onset is often called Still's disease, and may precede joint symptoms by weeks or months. Some common Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis :

• Paleness
• Low-grade fever
• Limited range of motion
• Loss of appetite
• Eye burning, itching, and discharge
• Skin redness or inflammation
• Swollen glands
• Numbness or tingling
• Loss of energy .

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is suspected from the symptoms, signs and X-ray findings, and differentiated from other causes of arthritis by finding characteristic antibodies and other changes in the blood.

People with Rheumatoid Arthritis often develop ANAEMIA. In severe cases, inflammation may affect other parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, small blood vessels and salivary glands.

A variety of drugs are used to suppress inflammation and relieve pain. The choice of drug treatment depends on the severity and rate of progress of the disease. IMMUNO SUPPRESSANT DRUGS may be necessary for severe, rapidly progressing RA. Adequate rest, good nutrition and physiotherapy are important. Splinting may help to prevent deformity, ahlmugh badly deformed joints may need surgical realignment or replacement. Occupational therapy and rehabilitation help people to cope with permanent disability from RA.

Treatment enablesabout 7 out of 10 patients to lead a relatively normal life, though most must continue to take drugs for the rest of their lives. About 20 per cent need appliances or surgery to improve mobility, and to percent are seriously disabled.

• The goal of treatment is to control pain, prevent joints from losing motion, and to help already stiff joints move more easily.
• Treatment also may include physical therapy. A specially trained doctor will help your child exercise and stretch.
• Children may be given prescription medication.
• Maintaining proper body weight and eating a well-balanced diet. Extra weight increases pressure on the joints and can make some types of arthritis worse.
• Exercise, when balanced with rest, can help reduce pain and stiffness, making muscles stronger and joints more flexible. Consult your doctor first, however, before beginning an exercise program.
• Heat therapy (paraffin wax, ultrasound or moist heat) increases blood flow and flexibility in the joint. Cold therapy (cold packs, cold-water soaks, over-the-counter sprays and ointments) numbs the nerves and relieves inflammation.
• Surgery to repair or remove a diseased .
• Drugs, such as pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids and cortisone injections