38. Arthritis (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Question 1

What?

Answer 1

Long-term condition
Causes swelling, pain and stiffness in joints.
Attack specially ages of 25 and 50 years old.

Question 2

Why?

Answer 2

when your body’s immune system attacks the joints
Genes
Women are affected 3 times more
Smokers

Question 3

Symptoms?

Answer 3

joints of your fingers, wrists or the balls of your feet become uncomfortable or tender
swelling in your joints, which often comes and goes
feeling stiff when you wake up in the morning.

Question 4

How to diagnose RA?

Answer 4

Markers of inflammation:C-reactive protein (CRP) levels may be high in RA, but not always.
Immunologic tests:Levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) and other antibodies (anti-CCP) may be checked. About 80% of people have a positive RF.
X-rays and other imaging techniques

Question 5

Treatment?

Answer 5

stop smoking or triggers
Physiotherapy,Occupational therapy,Surgery sometimes needed.

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs): include methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, leflunomide and azathioprine.
Pain relief medicines (paracetamol and codeine)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Corticosteroids (also called steroids)

Question 6

Prevention?

Answer 6

Exercise
Make your working life easier.
Both heat and cold treatments can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Some people’s pain responds better to heat and other’s to cold.
Live a healthy life. Stay physically active, eat a healthy diet, stop smoking
Social events and meeting people with similar problems may help you to deal with day-to-day activities and provide emotional support