How RA affects the immune systemRheumatoid arthritis is still a mystery to scientists as they have still not established its cause but only that it is autoimmune meaning the white blood cells react differently to the bacteria. The bacteria release a synovium layer of cells producing enzymes that damage the bone and the other parts near the joint. It is believed that the disease can be passed on to people of the same family as well as a smoking habit.

The disease as mentioned earlier attacks most joints at the same time and cause the joints to be deformed and lose their strength and mobility and be loose in general. Lumps occur on the skin known as rheumatoid nodules, but they are painless. Its pain can be compared to the pain one feels during a tooth ache or headaches.

Signs and symptoms of RA

These signs and symptoms of this disease vary on the person over a given time. Some people will experience joint damage and intense pain that they need surgery and medical treatment urgently while others do not experience such. Some of the signs include:

  • The joints swell, tightness and pain near the joints, especially the hands and elbows and eventually deformities may occur.
  • Excess fatigue and stiffness as well as aching during the mornings and afternoons.
  • Rheumatoid nodules under the skin and also near the elbow and occur as lumps.
  • Loss of weight, trouble when sleeping, excessive sweating and fever.
  • One feels really weak and depressed most of the time.

Diagnosis and preventive measures

When being examined by a doctor, an antibody by the name rheumatoid factor may be found in a sample of your blood but this does not mean you are suffering from the disease of rheumatoid arthritis. But if an anti – cyclic citrullinated protein anti body is found in your blood sample, that is a clear indicator you have rheumatoid arthritis. The fact that the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis differ among individuals, its diagnosis will entirely depend on the doctor and how long they have been treating such patients.

There is no preventive measure for this disease but since a smoking habit would cause it, it is advisable that one avoids smoking.

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

Its treatment has been improving over the years helping the affected patients lead normal lives the rest of the people. Surgery has been incorporated in the treatment together with encouraging the patients to exercise and rest too. What most people suffering from the disease are urged is to ensure they are active and move their joints most of the time to avoid damage of the joints. Medication is also offered depending on the benefits it gives to the patient against its negative effects on the patient.