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Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, although the exact cause is unknown but we do know that it occurs when the immune system attacks itself, and there are many myths and misconceptions regarding symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and a lack of awareness delays treatment and can increase Complications of rheumatoid arthritis, according to the website doctor-ndtvWe will outline some facts about rheumatoid arthritis that can help an individual better understand the disease.
1. What causes rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system is supposed to attack foreign bacteria and viruses that enter your body. In an autoimmune disease, your immune system mistakenly sends inflammation to healthy tissues. Your immune system causes a lot of infections that are transmitted to joints causing pain and swelling If the inflammation persists for a long period of time, it can cause joint damage.
2. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Prolonged stiffness in the morning is a clue that you may have rheumatoid arthritis, as this is not common in other cases. It may last 1-2 hours (or even all day) but generally improves with movement of the joints. For example, osteoarthritis does not cause Most often prolonged morning stiffness, other signs and symptoms that can occur in rheumatoid arthritis include:
– energy loss.
– low fever;
–Anorexia.
– Dry eyes and mouth.
– Hard lumps, called rheumatic nodules, that grow under the skin in places such as the elbows and hands.
There are diseases that can be confused with rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to get the correct diagnosis through the necessary tests.
3. Women are more likely to get the disease
About 75% of patients are women between 30-50 years old, 1-3% of women may develop rheumatoid arthritis in their lifetime However, it also occurs in males and can strike at any age.
4. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the internal organs
Rheumatoid arthritis initially affects but is not limited to the joints. If left out of control, the disease will not only damage joints, bones, and cartilage, but may also affect many internal organs, such as the eyes, skin, and lungs. Early diagnosis and treatment play a role in Adequate time plays a key role in preventing complications.
5. Not part of aging
Most people think that arthritis is part of aging. This may be true for degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis but certainly not for rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect anyone at any age, even children can suffer from the disease known as arthritis. rheumatoid.
6. Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by examining blood test results, examining joints and organs, and reviewing X-rays or ultrasounds. There is no single test to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
Blood tests are done to look for antibodies in the blood that may be seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests are also done to look for high levels of inflammation.
7. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis treatments aim to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms such as pain or swelling, and prevent long-term joint damage. There is no one treatment that works for all patients, and many people may change their treatment at least once during their lifetime..
8. Consult a rheumatologist
When joint, muscle, or bone pain is severe or lasts more than a few days, it’s time to see a rheumatologist..
9. There are no dietary restrictions for rheumatoid arthritis
There are no dietary restrictions that are recommended for any patient with arthritis except for those who suffer from a disease called gout which is caused by high uric acid in the body, there are no specific dietary restrictions for a person with rheumatoid arthritis, it is recommended to follow a healthy diet otherwise.
10. Advice to patients for a better quality of life
– Take all medicines as prescribed, and talk about whether the medicines cause any side effects or problems
– Keep your physical activity most of the time.
– Do low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking and muscle-strengthening exercises.
– Gentle range-of-motion exercises, such as stretching, will keep the joint flexible.
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