All You Need to Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Treatment

Being a chronic inflammatory disorder, rheumatoid arthritis affects beyond the joints of the human body. In a few people, this condition can exert influence on a wide variety of the systems of the human body including of heart, lungs, blood vessels, skin, eyes, and substantially more.

It is an autoimmune disorder that occurs at times when the immune system of the human body attacks its own tissues unintentionally. This article is intended to provide the requite information pertaining to its causes and treatment.

Symptoms

This condition affects the joints which are mostly attached to the toes and hands. The signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may differ from person to person. They include:

• Fatigue, loss of appetite, and fever

• Tender and swollen joints

• Stiffness felt at joints which is generally worse in mornings and at times of inactivity

Causes

Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the joints' healthy tissues and can lead to medical problems with the eyes, skin, lungs, heart, and nerves. As per research, the following are responsible to be the risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis:

1. Family History

The risk of acquiring the condition increases when a family member has this condition.

2. Sex

Women usually tend to be more vulnerable than men to developing this illness.

3. Age

It can occur at any age, nevertheless, it usually begins in the middle age.

4. Smoking

Smoking tobacco increases the severity of risks pertaining to developing the disorder solely if there is a genetic predisposition for acquiring the disesase.

5. Excess Weight

Individuals who are overweight are very much prone to obtaining rheumatoid arthritis.

Complications

Rheumatoid arthritis enlarges the menace of progressing the disorder in the following ways:

• Dry mouth and eyes

People with this disease are probable to develop Sjogren's syndrome which decreases the amount of moisture in the mouth and eyes.

• Osteoporosis

Rheumatoid arthritis increases the threat of osteoporosis which weakens the bones and makes them fall prey to fracture.

• Infections

The disorder itself can impair the immune system of the human body causing innumerable infections. It is always recommended to protect yourself with vaccinations to restrict diseases like pneumonia, COVID-19, influenza, and shingles.

• Heart problems and lung diseases

The disorder can enlarge the hazard of hardened and blocked arteries and scarring of lung tissues leading to shortness of breath and other issues of the heart.

Treatment

It has been said that there is no particular cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are several medications recommended by authoritative doctors depending on the severity of the symptoms and duration of the condition.

1. Steroids

Doctors usually prescribe a corticosteroid to relieve the symptoms at the earliest with the aim of gradually tapering off the medication.

2. NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

3. Conventional DMARDs

These types of drugs can slow the progression of the condition and save the joints from further permanent tissue damage.

4. Biologic agents

These agents are usually most effective when accompanied by conventional ones such as methotrexate.

Therapy

Supporting devices can make it easier to avoid the stressful pain of the joints especially joints in wrists and fingers. Certain tools like buttonhooks can be preferable for getting dressed.

Rheumatoid arthritis harms the organs which makes an individual feel like an everlasting roller coaster of pain and fatigue. If you don't see a therapist for treatment, the disease can cause permanent damage to your cartilage and, eventually, your joints.