rheumatoid arthritis (ra) pd.ppt

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (often called RA) is a chronic (long-standing) disease that damages the joints of the body.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1.3 million people in the U.S., with women developing the condition three times more than men.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) causes joint inflammation and stiffness for more than six weeks in a child aged 16 or younger.

An example showing the differences between a normal, healthy joint, a joint affected by osteoarthritis, and one affected by rheumatoid arthritis.

Even though infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi have long been suspected, the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown.

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis come and go, depending on the degree of tissue inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can include fatigue, lack of appetite, low-grade fever, muscle and joint aches, and stiffness.

In rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joints are usually inflamed in a symmetrical pattern (both sides of the body are affected).

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease and its inflammation can affect organs and areas of the body other than the joints.

A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the non-surgical treatment of rheumatic illnesses, especially arthritis.

The first step in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is a meeting between the doctor and the patient.

A newer, more specific blood test for rheumatoid arthritis is the citrulline antibody test.

Another blood test for RA called the sedimentation rate (sed rate), is a measure of how fast red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube.

Joint X-rays can also be helpful in monitoring the progression of rheumatoid disease and joint damage over time.

In arthrocentesis, a sterile needle and syringe are used to drain joint fluid out of the joint for study in the laboratory.

There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis; however, early medical intervention has been shown to be important in improving outcomes.

Two classes of medications are used in treating rheumatoid arthritis: fast-acting "first-line drugs" and slow-acting "second-line drugs."

Symptomatic pain relief can often be achieved with oral acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) or OTC topical preparations.

The areas of the body, other than the joints, that are affected by rheumatoid inflammation are treated individually.

A balance of rest and exercise is important in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Surgery may be an option to restore joint mobility, repair damaged joints, or in worst case scenarios, total artificial joint replacement.