Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. It is a chronic disease characterized mainly by inflammation of the lining or synovium of the joints, which can lead to long-term joint damage resulting in chronic pain, loss of function and disability. Rheumatoid arthritis may start in any joint but frequently affects the smaller joints in the hands.

Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include fatigue, joint stiffness (particularly in the morning and when sitting for long periods of time), flu-like symptoms (such as fatigue, weight loss and fever), rheumatoid nodules or lumps of tissue under the skin, loss of appetite, depression, anemia, and cold and/or sweaty hands and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis in children is usually preceded by high fever and shaking chills along with pain and swelling in many joints. A pink skin rash may also be present.

Although much has been learned about the process leading to the disease, scientists still do not know what exactly causes the immune system to attack the joints in rheumatoid arthritis. Most studies done over the last few years claim that rheumatoid arthritis may be triggered by genetic, environmental and hormonal factors. There is even a theory stating that a combination of factors, including an abnormal autoimmune response, genetic susceptibility and some kind of environmental or biologic factor, such as a viral infection or hormonal changes, triggers rheumatoid arthritis.

Although no cure for rheumatoid arthritis has yet been found, various types of treatment have been made available to alleviate symptoms and/or modify the disease process. Modifying the disease process means that the treatment is aimed at preventing the future destruction of the joints with the resulting handicap if the disease is left unchecked.

Sources:

• MyRACentral.com
• Wikipedia