Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that causes stable inflammation in the joints, primarily in the hands and feet. This continued inflammation produces deformity in the parts that are affected and also results in a reduction in functionality. Sometimes, it can affect other organs such as the heart, lungs or blood vessels. The cause of this chronic disease is unknown. It is considered a disease of the autoimmune segment and is associated with the presence of autoantibodies (particularly rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies).
If there is no treatment, the usual thing is for a progressive process of deformation and invalidation of the patient to different degrees. The definitive solution has not been found to cure the disease, but current medicine has managed, in most cases, to control it and stabilize joint pain and stiffness, which translates into an improvement in the quality of life of patients. sick.
Causes of rheumatoid arthritis
The specific origin of this disease is unknown.
The origin of the disease has not been found, it is considered autoimmune, but it is known that genetic and non-genetic factors are involved. Regarding the former, it has been proven that RA is a polygenetic disease, meaning that various genes are involved. Specifically, it has been identified that certain alleles (i.e., structural variations in genes) can predispose to the development of RA.
Non-genetic factors have also not been clearly identified, but the most common are infections, female hormones, smoking, stress, obesity and type of diet.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Joint stiffness and pain are common
There are several that are easily identifiable. For example, getting out of bed with stiff joints and frequently swollen joints, pain, mobility problems, and fever are often clear symptoms of arthritis. Although rheumatoid arthritis is still considered a minority, it is estimated that more than 200,000 people suffer from it in Spain. Two out of three affected people are women between 30 and 50 years old.
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatologists are specialists in this pathology
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed basically by observing the clinical symptoms and performing a physical examination, with the complement of some clinical tests and some x-rays. Both the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis correspond to rheumatology specialists.
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment
It does not have very serious side effects
Once the disease is diagnosed, the deterioration manifests itself in most cases after two years of age. Treatment usually includes disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Its effects help to stop disease and joint deformity. The beneficial effect of these medicines usually lasts between 3 and 10 weeks and they usually do not have very serious side effects.
Prevention of rheumatoid arthritis
Healthy diet and avoiding overweight
A healthy diet helps prevent this disease. It is advisable to eat a healthy and balanced diet to avoid overweight and obesity. There are some foods that are inadvisable and should not be consumed frequently, especially those that have large amounts of saturated fats from meat, whole milk and derivatives. It is also advisable to eliminate caffeine, tobacco and citrus fruits.
Regular physical exercise is good for strengthening joints, minimizing the impact of the disease.
Recommendations
Strengthen muscles
It is advisable to follow healthy lifestyle habits. This includes avoiding obesity and not exposing oneself, as much as possible, to joint injuries. It is beneficial to strengthen the muscles near the affected joints to reduce the risk of joint wear.
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