Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Condition & Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis, frequently labeled RA, is a degenerative, incurable condition that causes inflammation in organs and joints. The inflammation can cause nodular abrasions to form in the tissue under the skin and may involve the lungs and pericardium. RA is seen more commonly in individuals over age 40, but is not uncommon in the younger population. As much as one percent of the world's population suffer from the condition. The primary symptom is pain caused by swelling in the hands, feet, neck and legs. Both sides are typically affected equally. In severe cases, RA can also affect the eyes, mouth, lungs and heart.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that results in chronic joint inflammation. Autoimmune diseases are conditions that occur when the immune system uses antibodies to incorrectly attack the body tissues and joints. This causes irritation and pain in the joints. Causes of the condition have not been finitely discovered. Researchers at Penn State are studying the correlation between RA and infection. The results have indicated, mostly because of the decreased level of white blood cells, that RA "flare-ups" are caused by infection. It is more common in women than men; smokers are more prone to the condition than non-smokers.
  The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis vary depending on the degree of inflammation. When the tissue is aggravated, the condition is active; inactive denotes the inflammation has subsided. In the inactive stage, all indications of RA disappear and the patient displays perfect health. When all signs of RA have dissipated, the condition is in submission. It can go into submission, with or without treatment, for weeks, possibly even years.

Symptoms

• RA sufferers frequently experience extreme lack of energy, decrease or loss of appetite, aches in the muscles and joints from severe stiffness and low-grade fevers. Dramatic weight loss is common due to the loss of appetite. Stiffness is frequent after extended periods of inactivity, so mornings are often difficult for RA patients. Normal life is affected more severely as the condition progresses. Typical activities, such as turning doorknobs and brushing teeth, become painful.
  Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the joint responsible for controlling the vocal cords---the cricoardytenoid joint---causing a change in the tone of the voice and possibly lasting hoarseness. However, this is rare and only seen in the most severe cases.

Effects on the Body

• Since rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disorder; it can spread to the body organs. Siogren's Syndrome is when the eyes and mouth become aggravated. The only symptom with this irritation is harsh dehydration. Pleuritis, or inflammation of the lining of the lungs, causes chest pains and shortness of breath. Coughing and wheezing are also common with pleuritis. The tissue of the lungs becomes tender. Heart tissue can also be affected. Pericarditis is the inflammation of the heart tissue. This will also cause severe chest pains, especially when lying down.
  Rheumatoid arthritis also disturbs assembly of the body's blood cells. It significantly lessens the production of red blood cells, causing anemia. As the ailment progresses, the number of red blood cells will decrease even further. Deteriorating white blood cells is associated with Felty's Syndrome, or an engorged spleen. The threat of infection is heightened drastically since white blood cells are the body's natural defense.

Rheumatoid Nodules

• RA can cause firm, skin-colored knots to produce under the skin near joints affected by RA. These rheumatoid nodules occur on the hands, fingers, elbows and knees. The size differs with severity of inflammation, from pea-sized to walnut-sized. Sometimes, the nodules will move under the skin, but they more often firmly attached to tendons. In severe cases, the nodules can also develop on vocal cords and body organs. There is normally no pain connected to the nodules, but they can put stress on nerves, limiting movement. Nodules on the body organs may influence organ function.

Synovitis

• The synovial membrane lines joints and tendons. Synovitis is when the synovial membrane is swollen. It is a persistent pain condition linked with restricted movement caused by inflammation, tenderness and stiffness. Due to the increased blood flow, the joint feels warm. Synovitis is a dire difficulty associated with rheumatoid arthritis because the cells in the membrane split and reproduce, sending new cells to other body parts. The new cells discharge enzymes into assorted joints, causing more pain and inflammation. If this continues for an extended period, the enzymes will ultimately absorb the cartilage around the joint, leading to extreme, relentless pain.

Diagnosis

• While there is no solitary test that can clearly discover RA in the body, it is currently diagnosed by a combination of tests. If you are exhibiting any of the characteristics above, your doctor will conduct a physical exam consisting of blood tests, joint fluid analysis and X-rays. If you suspect you have rheumatoid arthritis, keep a list of symptoms, including time of day, frequency and severity, to provide your doctor a detailed overview of how you're feeling.

Treatment

• Over-the-counter medicines can help calm the symptoms of mild rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Aspirin, Ketoprofen, Ibuprofen and Naproxen help to reduce inflammation; Acetaminophen will reduce the pain. Your doctor can also prescribe pain relievers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These will diminish the pain and swelling, but do not help with current or prevent damage of the joints. These must be used only under the supervision of a doctor, as overdosing can lead to harmful side effects.
  Since the immune system of an RA patient is out of control, immunosuppressants are also an effective way to manage symptoms by bringing it back to normal. However, these prescriptions can also decrease the immune system's response to infection. Steroids can be used to reduce pain and swelling, but only for a short time. A steroid's effectiveness lessens with more use and can cause side effects, such as bruising, cataracts and diabetes. Anti-rheumatic medicines slow the damage to the joints and tissues if started near the beginning of the symptoms.