Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview and Definitions

Rheumatoid arthritis refers to chronic joint inflammation. It also affects surrounding tissues (ligaments, tendons, and muscles) and some organs of the body. It is considered as an autoimmune disease – that is, it makes the immune system attack the body’s own tissues by mistake. It is also classified as a systemic illness because it can attack several body organs. It can go unnoticed for years, but it usually progresses over time. If rheumatoid arthritis treatment is not administered and rheumatoid arthritis diet is not managed well, the condition can cause serious damage to the affected joints, cartilage, ligaments, and bones, and even set off functional disability. It is very important for patients to seek effective rheumatoid arthritis medication to put off these consequences.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Signs and Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms vary depending on the scale of inflammation.
When body tissues are swollen, the condition is considered active and patients usually experience low energy, low appetite, pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles, and in some cases, low-grade fever. Muscle pain and inflexibility of the joints is especially severe after rest periods (such as in the morning, after sleep). Joints may turn reddish and swollen because the synovium (tissue lining) of the affected joints swell up and produce disproportionate synovial fluid.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms do not only manifest on the joints – they also manifest in different organs of the body. The eye and mouth glands can swell up or go dry (Sjogren's syndrome). If the disease attacks lining of the lungs (a condition called the pleuritis), the patient may experience chest pain while coughing. The tissues around the heart (called pericardium) may also get affected, setting off chest pain that becomes especially severe when the patient is leaning forward or lying down.

When the inflammation subsides, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms seem to vanish. During the remission period, patients typically feel better. Once the condition reactivates, however, the symptoms act up again.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes and Risk Factors

What exactly causes rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown. Some researchers tend to associate it to genetics. Some studies also point to tobacco as a possible trigger.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a fairly widespread condition – in fact, it affects over two million Americans. Women seem to be more predisposed. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common to people above forty, but it can start at any age. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which develops in children as young as six months old, is fairly common. In fact, more than 300,000 children in America (under 16) already have arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Tests and Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically starts with a physical exam. The doctor checks for inflammation and/or deformity of the joints, rheumatoid nodules, and related symptoms.
Blood tests may also be required. Patients with the condition typically have uncharacteristic antibodies referred to as rheumatoid factors, specifically citrulline antibody and antinuclear antibody.
X-rays and bone scans are also typically used to diagnose the condition. It shows erosions of the bones in the joints, and can also help monitor the development of the condition by showing damage over time.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Options

Rheumatoid arthritis has no definite cure to date. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment concentrates on reducing inflammation and pain. Certain Rheumatoid arthritis medication can also help maximize the functions of the joints, and rheumatoid arthritis diet can help prevent further destruction or deformity. There are a lot of available first-line and second-line drugs available upon prescription. These drugs are usually helpful to patients whose conditions are still manageable. Those suffering from debilitating deformities, however, may need surgery.

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