Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can also affect other tissues and organs in the body.
Symptoms: 1. Joint pain and swelling 2. Morning stiffness 3. Fatigue 4. Loss of range of motion 5. Redness and warmth around the affected joints 6. Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet 7. Loss of grip strength 8. Fever 9. Weight loss
Causes and Risk Factors: 1. Genetics: Family history plays a role 2. Autoimmune response: The immune system attacks healthy tissues 3. Environmental factors: Exposure to pollutants, infections, and stress 4. Hormonal factors: Hormonal changes may contribute to RA
Diagnosis: 1. Physical examination 2. Medical history 3. Laboratory tests (e.g., rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies) 4. Imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, ultrasound, MRI)
Treatment: 1. Medications: - DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) - Biologics - Corticosteroids - NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) 2. Physical therapy 3. Occupational therapy 4. Lifestyle modifications: - Exercise regularly - Maintain a healthy weight - Quit smoking - Manage stress
Complications: 1. Joint damage and deformity 2. Osteoporosis 3. Heart disease 4. Lung disease 5. Eye problems (e.g., dry eyes, cataracts) 6. Increased risk of infections Current Research: 1. Stem cell therapy 2. Gene therapy 3. Targeted therapies (e.g., JAK inhibitors) 4. Personalized medicine approaches Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage RA symptoms, prevent joint damage, and improve quality of life.