RHEUMATOID ARTHRITI

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS – AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which causes joint inflammation . 

The damage of joints which causes rheumatoid arthritis. 

Inflammation of one or more joints causing pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can effect more of your joints.

   

                   

What are the  causes rheumatoid arthritis ?

As rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means its caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue.

If people are suffering with rheumatoid arthritis: immune system mistakenly send antibodies to the lining of yours joints where they attack the tissue of surrounding joints this causes thin layer cells covering joints to be inflamed. Weakening of immune system is the main cause for rheumatoid arthritis. 

                     

What are the Risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis ?

• Being an woman.
• Having a family history of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Exposure to certain types of bacteria, associated with periodontal disease.
• Having a history of viral infections.

Trauma or injury such as bone fracture, dislocation of bone.

• Smoking. 
• Having obesity.

 What are the Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis ?

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect several organs in the body. The joint symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include :

• Joint pain 
• Joint swelling 
• Joint stiffness
• Symptoms vary from mild to seveare.

EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS  

• Fatigue
• Slight fever 
• Weight loss                                    
• Stiffness of joints Tenderness Joint pains, redness, swelling      

             

 What are the Types of rheumatoid arthritis ?

• Seropositive RA : if you have a positive rheumatoid factor blood test result, this means you have antibodies that cause your immune system to attack joints.
• Seronegative RA : if you have a negative rheumatoid factor blood test result, and anti CCP result, but you still have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. You may eventually develop antibodies changing diagnosis to seropositive rheumatoid arthritis.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis : this refers rheumatoid arthritis to children in ages of 17 years old and younger. The symptoms include eye inflammation and tissues with physical development.

       

WHAT IS THE DIET FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRTIS PATIENT ?     

People suffering with rheumatoid arthritis should take an anti inflammatory diet to help with symptoms. This type of diet includes foods that have lots of omega 3 fatty acids. 

Foods high in omega 3 fatty acids include:

• Fatty fish like salmon, tuna herring and mackerel
• Chia seeds 
• Flax seeds 
• Walnuts

Antioxidants such as vitamin A C and E and selenium may also help reduce inflammation.

Foods rich in antioxidants include:  berries, blueberries, cranberries goji berries and strawberries 

• Dark chocolate                                                
• Spinach
• Kidney beans 

         

    

                                

Eating lots of fiber is also important. Fiber may help in reducing inflammatory responses which may decrease C- reactive protein levels.

Foods containing flavonoids can also help to counter inflammation in the body. They include :

• Soy products such as tofu and miso 
• Berries 
• Green tea 
• Broccoli 
• Grapes 

 What are the Home remedies for rheumatoid arthritis ?

Certain home remedies and lifestyle adjustment may help to improve quality of life.

Exercise: Low impact exercises can help to improve the range of motion in your joints and increase your mobility. Exercise can also strengthen muscles, which can help to relieve pressure from your joints. 

Also gentle yoga which can help you regain strength and flexibility

              

Get Enough Rest : taking more rest during flare ups and less during remission. Getting enough sleep will reduce inflammation and pain as well as fatigue. 

Apply Heat Or Cold : Ice packs or cold compresses can help to reduce inflammation or Pain. They may also be effective against muscle spasms. 

                                                                                  BY MEGHANA 

                                                                             PHARM D 2ND YEAR

                            JOGINPALLY B R PHARMACY COLLEGE,MOINABAD