What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

• What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

• The causes of RA

• Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms

• Diagnosing RA


What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation, pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of functions in the joints and in the other parts of the body. The chronic inflammation also causes joint erosion, loss of motion and damage to many parts of the body healthy immune system protects the body from the attacks of bacteria and viruses, but an autoimmune disease allows foreign bacteria and viruses to attack health issue.

RA mostly affects the most important joints in the body, including joints in the:

1. Hands

2. Feet

3. Wrists

4. Elbows

5. Knees

6. Ankles


Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis-

The exact causes of rheumatoid are not clear, but there are some risk factors that contribute it.

1. Genetic Factors- There is certain genes that make people more susceptible to develop rheumatoid arthritis.


2. Environmental Factors-


There are several environmental factors that also contribute to R.A.


Bacteria and viruses


Exposure to secondhand smoke


Air pollution


Insecticides


3. Personal Factors-

1.Gender: Though it occurs to both, women are more likely to develop it than men. Approximately 70 percent of people diagnosed with this disease are women.


2. Age: It can occur in people of any age, but it mainly affects the people of age between 40 to 60.


3. Family History: Family history is also one of the causes of arthritis.


Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms- Its symptoms appear differently in every patient. So it becomes difficult to detect and diagnose it. Its most common symptoms are-

1. Inflammation


2. Fatigue


3. Swelling:


4. Stiffness


5. Pain


6. Redness


7. Depression


8. Anxiety


9. Low self-esteem


10. Minor fever


11. Loss of appetite


12. Muscle aches


13. Unintentional weight loss


14. Numbness


15. Impaired vision



Diagnosis-

1. Physical Exam-


The doctor will check your joints for inflammation, stiffness, and range of motion.


2. Antibody blood tests: Doctors look for certain proteins that show up in your blood when you have RA:


• Rheumatoid factor (RF)


• Anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide)


• ANA, or antinuclear antibodies


3.Imaging test- 1.X-Rays


2.MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)


3.Ultrasound

How to prevent it?

1. Eat sea food at least twice in a week. It contains omega 3 that prevents the body from inflammation.

2. Reduce your weight, if you are obese or over weight.

3. Exercise-Exercise whenever you get time as it makes you physically stronger.

4. Quit smoking.

5. Give your body a rest whenever you feel tired and lethargic.

6. Consult your doctor if you suspect any symptoms.

" STAY INFORMED, STAY HEALTHY"