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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Disclaimer: Only your physician can diagnose arthritis. Symptoms may vary from person to person. If you are not sure whether you might have arthritis or any other of the conditions listed on this Web site, please consult your doctor.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are caused by improper immune reactions that occur when the one’s immune system attacks one’s own body, mistaking it for a foreign invader. RA causes inflammation in the lining of the joints and, sometimes, of other internal organs. This can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of function in the joints. The disease can vary widely from individual to individual in terms of severity, joints affected and the nature of other organs involved, which can include the eyes, the lungs or the skin.
Symptoms
Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Additional Information
Symptoms
- Lingering stiffness in the joints in the morning.
- Swelling and inflammation of the joints.
- Damaged joints, as shown by X-rays.
- Blood tests showing an antibody known as rheumatoid factor.
- Other signs of RA can include loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, fever or anemia.
Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than two million Americans, and is three times more prevalent in women than in men, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Muscloskeletal and Skin Diseases. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 45.
Causes
The cause of RA is unknown. What is known is that RA is an autoimmune disease which means the body’s immune system is mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues. This attack on the body’s own organs leads to inflammation and joint damage. Researchers suspect that agents similar to viruses may trigger RA in some people who have an inherited tendency for the disease. Many people with RA have a certain genetic marker called HLA-DR4.
Diagnosis
RA can be difficult to diagnose because it can have a subtle, gradual onset and symptoms mimicking other conditions. If your doctor suspects that you may have rheumatoid arthrtis, he or she can take a medical history, evaluate the symptoms and run lab tests, such as a red blood cell count and sedmentation rate, as well as checking for the presence of Rheumatoid Factor in the blood. X-rays can be used to determine the progression of the disease. The best way to diagnose the condition is a combination of diagnosic tools.
Treatment
Treatment options for RA have expanded dramatically during the past several years. Typically, treatment will involve some combination of medication, exercise, rest, joint protection, and physical and occupational therapy. Success depends on early diagnosis and early, aggressive treatment before function is impaired and joints are damaged. There is no cure for RA. Initially, treatment may focus on pain relief and swelling reduction. Pain medications may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or a relatively newer class of medications called COX-2 inhibitors.
Additional Information
It is recommended that you consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. In Missouri, people with arthritis can turn to the state’s Arthritis Program. The Missouri Arthritis Program includes seven Regional Arthritis Center, putting every Missourian within 100 miles of help. Missouri’s Regional Arthritis Centers offer self-help and exercise classes, support groups and educational materials. Several other states have state arthritis plans. For more information about your state’s arthritis plan, go the following: |
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