Rheumatoid Artritis (RA) is a chronic, whole-body, self-immunological disease whose main characteristics are symmetrical multi-arthritis, especially small joints, such as near-end joints of hands and feet and toes. The disease not only affects the joints, but may also overwhelm the whole body of organs, including skin, eyes, heart and lungs.
Causes and morbidity mechanisms
The exact causes of rheumatism are not yet fully known, but it is now believed to be related to genetic, environmental factors (e.g. smoking, infection, etc.) and immune system anomalies. Within RA patients, the immune system wrongfully attacked its own joints, leading to inflammation. This inflammatory response can damage the cartilage and bone of the joint, which may eventually lead to joint malformations and functional loss.
Clinical performance
The clinical performance of RA is diverse, but the most common symptoms are:
1. Artificial pain and swelling: Small joints that usually affect hands and feet first, expressed in symmetrical pain and swelling.
2. Morning rigidity: patients get up in the morning with rigid joints, usually lasting more than 30 minutes.
3. Artificial activity is limited: as the condition progresses, the scope of joint activity decreases.
4. Artificial malformations: Long-term inflammation leads to the destruction of joint structures and may result in joint malformations.
5. All-body symptoms: including fatigue, weight loss and low heat.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on medical history, clinical performance and laboratory tests. In laboratory tests, the rheumatist factor (RF) and the anti-accumulator antigen (ACPA) are two important serobiology markers. In addition, video science examinations such as X-rays, ultrasounds or MRI can help to assess the extent of arteries and injuries at joints.
Treatment
The treatment objectives of RA are to control inflammation, mitigate symptoms, prevent joint damage, maintain joint function and improve the quality of life. Treatment includes:
1. Medicines: Inflammatory anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief and swelling; sugary cortex hormones for control of inflammatory disorders; programme control anti-ructicides (DMARDs) such as amazine curamide for control of progress; bioagents such as cancer cause of death (TNF) inhibitors for treatment of patients who are less responsive to traditional DMARDs.
Physical therapy: reduction of symptoms and enhancement of joint function through thermal, cold, electrotherapy, etc.
3. Surgical treatment: In cases of severe joint damage, a joint replacement may be required.
4. Lifestyle adjustments: These include healthy diets, adequate exercise, cessation of smoking, etc. to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Advances and challenges
Although RA is a chronic disease, many patients have effective control over their condition through early diagnosis and active treatment. However, the management of RA remains a challenge as it requires long-term treatment and monitoring, as well as active involvement of patients in the self-management of disease.
Research on rheumatism is continuing, and scientists are committed to finding more effective treatments and possible cures to improve the quality of life and preparation of patients in RA.
Rheumatism arthritis
