rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more than just arthritis. In deed, many doctors call it “rheumatoid disease” to emphasize its widespread nature. People with RA often describe feeling much as though they have a virus, with fatigue and aching acting on their muscles. It has been estimated that 2 million Americans with 60% of them women, have rheumatoid arthritis (Brewer, Earl J, 2000).
The condition usually appears in middle-aged people, in the forties and fifties, although it can begin at any age. Since RA is so common, and because it can sometimes be severe, it is a major international health problem (Lorig, Kate, 1995).
It can result in difficulties with employment and problems with daily activities, and can put severe stress on family relationships. In its most severe forms, and without good treatment, it can result in deformities of the joint. In RA, the synovial membrane lining in the joint becomes inflamed. We don’t have a good explanation as to why this inflammation starts, but the cells of the membrane divide and grow, and inflammatory cells come into the joint. Because of the bulk of these inflammatory cells, the joint becomes swollen, and feels puffy (Lorig, Kate, 1995).
The increased blood flow that is a feature of the inflammation makes the joint warm. The cells release chemicals (called enzymes) into the joint space and the enzymes cause the further irritation and pain. If the process continues for years, the enzymes may gradually digest the cartilage and the bone of the joint (www.starttrial.com/facts.asp).
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Abstract There are several types of stem cells being used in stem cell research and therapy today. They are embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent stem cells. Each will be discussed further. This topic has stirred much moral, ethical and political debate as whether cells from fetuses should be used in this research. This impacts governmental policies on laws and funding. Another issue that must ...
This then is rheumatoid arthritis, a process in which inflammation of the joint membrane, over many years, can cause damage to the joint itself.
SYMPTOMS
Rheumatoid arthritis is an unpredictable disease with bouts of illness or remissions occurring for no apparent reason. Many patients say that one of the hardest aspects to cope with is never knowing when the next attack is going to strike. They can go to sleep at night feeling quite well and wake the next morning hardly able to get out of bed (http://www.healthtalk.com) Symptoms can also vary from person to person with some patients experiencing only minor aches and pains, while others are totally debilitated by the disease.
Symptoms include:
•Mild fever
•Aches and pain in and around a joint (joints on both sides of the body are usually equally affected)
•Joint stiffness, particularly in the morning
•Swollen joints, especially the feet, knees and hands
•A constant feeling of being tired and run down
•Weakness in the muscles, ligaments and tendons surrounding the joint
•Sleeplessness caused by pain and inability to find a comfortable position.
In severe cases, complications can arise such as pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart), pulmonary fibrosis (scarring and thickening of lung tissue), pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid in the lungs), poor circulation leading to ulcers on the feet and hands, swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin, armpit and neck, and over activity of the spleen (Gore, Margaret, 1997).
CAUSES
Medical science can tell us what happens in rheumatoid arthritis, yet it cannot quite tell us why. The condition seems to stem from a malfunction of the immune system (the body’s defense and repair mechanism).
In rheumatoid arthritis the antibodies and cells of the immune system start to attack and injure healthy body tissues, particularly in the joints. As result, the synovium (joint lining) becomes inflamed, causing the pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis (http://www.podiatrychannel.com).
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As a response to inflammation, fluid builds up in the joint and the cells and other inflammatory products produces by the synovium attack the cartilage, cause weakening of the joint capsule and erosions in the bone itself. A vicious cycle of attack and defense is set up and if left untreated, the whole system of the joint breaks down. Although rheumatoid arthritis can occur in any joint it most commonly affects those of the fingers, wrists, shoulders, knees, hips, and neck. Onset of this disease usually starts in early adulthood but it can develop in children (http://www.arthritis.com/1_2.asp).
Women are three times more likely to suffer from this disease than men and sadly it often strikes them in their thirties just at the time when their career or family responsibilities at their greatest (http://webmd.lycos.com)
DIAGNOSIS
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed through a variety of methods from analyzing an individual’s medical history to laboratory tests. Depending upon the disease process, not everyone will present with the same symptoms. When first seen by a physician, the patient’s medical history will be discussed and a physical examination will be performed looking for redness, warmth and tenderness of the joints and possible nodules or lumps underneath the skin. Laboratory tests and x-rays will also be used to determine if an individual has rheumatoid arthritis (http://www.authenticcmo.com).
TREATMENT
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis; however, effective treatment can manage the disease and will ensure that quality of life can be maintained with less pain and fewer physical disabilities. While analgesics and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs can provide some symptom relief, the main medications used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are the disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (Gore, Margaret, 1997).
Medications include:
•Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
•Anti-rheumatic drugs
•Anti-malarial drugs
•Gold salts
•Penicillamine
•Sulphasalazine
•Corticosteroids
•Immuno-suppressant drugs
Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, surgery, and education studies can also significantly help in dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. Today, the outlook for patients with rheumatoid arthritis is better then ever, with new treatments being researched all the time (http://www.podiatrychannel.com).
The Term Paper on Rheumatoid Arthritis 2
... body parts are affected in rheumatoid arthritis because the disease is a systemic condition. Specifically, the disease affects several body joints which are inflamed in ... of RA require second-line drugs like methotrexate as well as the anti-inflammatory drugs. Different second-line drugs can also be given in ...
OUTLOOK
Rheumatoid arthritis is the condition that most people think of when they hear the word arthritis. An image that comes to mind is of a person in a wheelchair, with swollen knees and twisted hands. This is true; most people of this nature probably have rheumatoid arthritis. Considering that it is the most destructive kind of arthritis known. Erosion of the bone itself, rupture of tendons, and slippage of the joints can results in crippling (www.arthritis.com).
But most people with rheumatoid arthritis are more fortunate to have weakened symptoms. Many of the serious problems can be prevented by good early treatment.
Conclusion
After analyzing my research, I have come to recognize the severity of this chronic disease, and its symptoms. Never have I thought that one disease could be so complex, in regards to not being able to find a cure, considering that every patient is different from the next. This draws us to the conclusion that rheumatoid arthritis is rather a large concern in the medical science world, and we are left with hopes that one day a cure will be found, relieving those suffering from this harsh disease.
