What is Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, chronic, inflammatory disease, It affects multiple organs or tissues of the body. The synovial joints in the hands and feet are the most affected parts, wherein there is unantural growth of the number of cells and hence more tissues, resulting in inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis can also produce diffuse inflammation in the lungs, sac containing the heart, membranes that fold onto itself and the white part of the eye and more. Hence this can cause various health related complications related to the lungs, eyes, heart etc. Since this can affect the whole body(systemic) it is important that everybody is well informed about this condition for early detection of it.
Causes and Symptoms The cause of this condition is unknown, it is sometimes refered to as autoimmune disease. Autoimmunity is defined as the failure of an organism to recognize its own constituent parts as self, which allows an immune response against its own cells and tissues. Body immuntity system consists of various biological structures to identify and kill the pathogens, viruses and foriegn bodies. The growth in the synovial joints caused by this condition, is identified as a foriegn body and hence immunity system comes into act, which results in inflammation. Autoimmunity is blamed for the chronicity and progressive nature of this condition. The symptoms depend on the affected part of the body.
The symptoms are widely varied making it more difficult to diagonise.
Since this condition is more prominent in the synovial joints, the joints become swollen, tender and warm. There is also stiffness in the joints.
There may be general fatigue and fever.
For lungs it my result in Fibriosis.
If the eyes are affected there may be dryness of eyes and mouth.
Sometimes skin fragility is also noticed.
Rapid weight loss is also a symptom.
Prevention and cure This is old age related disease. Women in general, are at a higher risk to suffer this condition than men. The symptoms are non existent till the condition worsens. Regular check ups may help keep track of it. Sudden weight loss, or chronic joint pains must be immediately attended to, finding about the cause of it helps to diagonise the condition early. Also inculcating a healthy and active lifestyle, like brisk walking, aerobics, etc may always reduce the sufferings associated with this condition.
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