Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease; that can cause damage to various organs; hence, it is necessary to consult a rheumatologist. The person can be in unbearable pain and discomfort, and visiting the specialist can assist in diagnoses and managing the symptoms. The treatment options can help increase life expectancy and enhance the quality of life.
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What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune ailment. The immune system of the patient attacks the healthy tissue. It affects body systems including, joints, skin, heart, lungs, and eyes. The condition can result in physical disabilities permanently.
What are the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- The person experiences tenderness and swelling in joints
- Stiffness in the joints in the morning or when not engaged in any physical activity
- The individual remains fatigued and anxious
- The individual experiences recurrent episodes of fever
- Irrational loss of appetite
- With time, the symptoms become severe and affect the arms, ankles, shoulders, and wrists.
- It can also cause deformity in joints.
What causes correlate with this condition?
The main cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. The factors that correlate with the condition include:
- Genetic: Research has shown that patients with siblings suffering from the condition are more likely to get diagnosed with the same illness.
- Environmental Triggers: Infections with certain viruses can act as the triggers for the disease.
What tests assist in the diagnosis of the disease?
The tests that can aid in diagnoses are:
- Physical examination: The physical test will help evaluate the specialist regarding the redness and swelling.
- Blood Tests: Increased levels of CRP and ESR are common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; hence, it will help in diagnoses.
- Imaging Testing: CT scans and MRIs help in evaluating the spread and severity of arthritis.
- Arthrocentesis: The procedure involves of insertion of the sterile needle to withdraw the fluid from the joints. The tests help determine the cause of the symptoms that may relate to rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the treatment options available for the disease?
The effective treatments include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs help in reducing inflammation and pain.
- Use of Steroids: Steroids can help slow down the damage to the joints. The specialist would only use steroids UK when the severity escalates, as it can have multiple side-effects such as weight loss and diabetes.
- DMARDS: The medications are used to slow the progression and save the joint tissues.
- Biologic response modifiers: These medications may cause infection. However, they are proven beneficial for slowing the process of progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Therapy: Therapy is proven beneficial to ease the symptoms. The exercises can help increase the flexibility of the joints.
- Surgical Procedures: If medications are proven ineffective, then surgical options be beneficial. The surgical procedures include synovectomy, tendon repair, joint fusion, and total joint replacement.
What risk factors increase the chances of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis?
The factors that can increase the chances of getting diagnosed with the disease are:
- Gender: Women are prone to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis as compared to men.
- Middle Aged People: It can affect people from any age group, but reportedly middle-aged people have a higher chance of getting diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis
- A habit of Smoking: Research has shown people with the smoking habit have severe symptoms as compared to non-smokers.
- Overweight: Research has shown, obesity correlates with rheumatoid arthritis.
The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis at early stages can be difficult; hence, it is imperative for individuals to consult a competent rheumatologist. To find a verified and competent specialist for diagnoses and guidance regarding the treatment options, one should check oladoc.com.
