Most people have heard of rheumatoid arthritis. However, unless
they or someone they know suffers from the disease, they frequently do
not have a clear understanding of it. The following examines 10 things
everyone needs to know about rheumatoid arthritis
(RA).
1. RA Isn't the Arthritis That Develops With Age
RA is an autoimmune disorder and a form of inflammatory arthritis. It results from an immune system that has gone askew. As a result, the immune system mistakenly attacks joints in the body causing inflammation and pain. In addition, it can result in erosion of the joints, permanently damaging the joints. In some instances, it may impact the internal organs.
2. RA is a Chronic Disease, but Sufferers Don't Always Appear Sick
There is no cure for RA. Most sufferers go through periods, called flare-ups, where their symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and fatigue, are much more noticeable. However, they also have periods of remission, in which they may not exhibit any symptoms at all. While they appear completely healthy, they still have the disease.
3. Early Diagnosis and Aggressive Treatment are Essential
Studies have found that the best way of avoiding joint destruction, disability, and organ damage involves early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. In fact, treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) is considered the key to entering remission and keeping the disease as well controlled as possible.
4. Having RA Increases Your Risk of Heart Disease
According to the American College of Rheumatology, the risk of having a heart attack almost doubles the risk of having a heart attack. Researchers believe this is due to the excessive inflammation associated with RA. There is a link between inflammation and heart disease.
5. Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects Children
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, affects about 50,000 U.S. children. However, it is not known why some children develop it. Symptoms may appear as early as 6 months of age or as late as 16 years old. In some children, rashes suddenly appear and disappear, in addition to the more typical signs of painful joints, stiffness, and swelling.
6. RA Sufferers Should Pay Attention to Their Diet
Studies have shown that dietary changes can help reduce pain and inflammation. RA sufferers should include plenty of cold water fish, extra virgin olive oil, vitamin-D fortified milk products, and organically grown fruits and vegetables in their daily diet.
7. While Researchers Aren't 100% Certain What Causes RA, Smoking Can Trigger It
Smoking is a well-known environmental trigger for plenty of health conditions. In fact, smoking is thought to play a significant role in 1/3 of severe cases of RA. Individuals that smoke and have a familial history of RA make up more than 50% of those diagnosed with RA.
8. The Number of Women with RA is Increasing
According to a 2010 study completed at the Mayo Clinic, RA is on the rise in US women for the first time in over 40 years. From 1995 to 2007, there was a 2.5% increase in the rates of women with RA. However, rates among men are on the decline. Although it is not entirely clear why, researchers believe it could be due to cigarette smoking, vitamin D deficiencies, and lower estrogen birth control pills. (There is a possibility that estrogen may protect against RA.)
9. Pregnancy Positively Impacts RA
Up to 75% of women with a RA diagnosis report that their symptoms go into remission during pregnancy. This typically occurs about the second month of pregnancy. This is thought to be because pregnancy can slow down an overactive immune system and some of the hormone levels increased during pregnancy can be protective for the mother. However, it is not unusual for the disease to flare up after delivery.
10. RA Can Increase Your Risk of Type II Diabetes, as Well as Decrease It
It is believed that the inflammation associated with RA can increase the risk of developing type II diabetes. In addition, corticosteroids frequently used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms increase blood sugar levels, thus increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Overall, the link between RA and type II diabetes is rather complicated and not well understood.
(RA).
1. RA Isn't the Arthritis That Develops With Age
RA is an autoimmune disorder and a form of inflammatory arthritis. It results from an immune system that has gone askew. As a result, the immune system mistakenly attacks joints in the body causing inflammation and pain. In addition, it can result in erosion of the joints, permanently damaging the joints. In some instances, it may impact the internal organs.
2. RA is a Chronic Disease, but Sufferers Don't Always Appear Sick
There is no cure for RA. Most sufferers go through periods, called flare-ups, where their symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and fatigue, are much more noticeable. However, they also have periods of remission, in which they may not exhibit any symptoms at all. While they appear completely healthy, they still have the disease.
3. Early Diagnosis and Aggressive Treatment are Essential
Studies have found that the best way of avoiding joint destruction, disability, and organ damage involves early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. In fact, treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) is considered the key to entering remission and keeping the disease as well controlled as possible.
4. Having RA Increases Your Risk of Heart Disease
According to the American College of Rheumatology, the risk of having a heart attack almost doubles the risk of having a heart attack. Researchers believe this is due to the excessive inflammation associated with RA. There is a link between inflammation and heart disease.
5. Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects Children
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, affects about 50,000 U.S. children. However, it is not known why some children develop it. Symptoms may appear as early as 6 months of age or as late as 16 years old. In some children, rashes suddenly appear and disappear, in addition to the more typical signs of painful joints, stiffness, and swelling.
6. RA Sufferers Should Pay Attention to Their Diet
Studies have shown that dietary changes can help reduce pain and inflammation. RA sufferers should include plenty of cold water fish, extra virgin olive oil, vitamin-D fortified milk products, and organically grown fruits and vegetables in their daily diet.
7. While Researchers Aren't 100% Certain What Causes RA, Smoking Can Trigger It
Smoking is a well-known environmental trigger for plenty of health conditions. In fact, smoking is thought to play a significant role in 1/3 of severe cases of RA. Individuals that smoke and have a familial history of RA make up more than 50% of those diagnosed with RA.
8. The Number of Women with RA is Increasing
According to a 2010 study completed at the Mayo Clinic, RA is on the rise in US women for the first time in over 40 years. From 1995 to 2007, there was a 2.5% increase in the rates of women with RA. However, rates among men are on the decline. Although it is not entirely clear why, researchers believe it could be due to cigarette smoking, vitamin D deficiencies, and lower estrogen birth control pills. (There is a possibility that estrogen may protect against RA.)
9. Pregnancy Positively Impacts RA
Up to 75% of women with a RA diagnosis report that their symptoms go into remission during pregnancy. This typically occurs about the second month of pregnancy. This is thought to be because pregnancy can slow down an overactive immune system and some of the hormone levels increased during pregnancy can be protective for the mother. However, it is not unusual for the disease to flare up after delivery.
10. RA Can Increase Your Risk of Type II Diabetes, as Well as Decrease It
It is believed that the inflammation associated with RA can increase the risk of developing type II diabetes. In addition, corticosteroids frequently used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms increase blood sugar levels, thus increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Overall, the link between RA and type II diabetes is rather complicated and not well understood.
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