RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS OVERVIEW
Rheumatoid arthritis patients who attend my clinic are aware that I always tell you these 'FOUR' important points.
1-THERE IS NO CURE!
this is breaking the bad news to a patient However I have to be honest with you.
this is breaking the bad news to a patient However I have to be honest with you.
2AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE:
It is an autoimmune disease where your own body attacked your joints and other organs causing inflammation to your own healthy tissue.
However, with medicines, we can stop this attack.
It is an autoimmune disease where your own body attacked your joints and other organs causing inflammation to your own healthy tissue.
However, with medicines, we can stop this attack.
3-TREATMENT TO CONTROL SYMPTOMS & AVOID DEFORMITIES:
Yes, treatment is possible.the aim of treatment is to control symptoms.
With the right medications, many patients can have no signs of active disease.
Yes, treatment is possible.the aim of treatment is to control symptoms.
With the right medications, many patients can have no signs of active disease.
4-TAKE YOUR MEDICINE REGULARLY:
Please, don't change or stop medicines without doctor advise.any problem check with the doctor.
these medicines need regular blood test monitoring and follow up.
and please don't go to hakeems & herbal quack claiming they can CURE this disease
Please, don't change or stop medicines without doctor advise.any problem check with the doctor.
these medicines need regular blood test monitoring and follow up.
and please don't go to hakeems & herbal quack claiming they can CURE this disease
SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
1-joint pain, stiffness, swelling and decreased movement of the joints.
1-joint pain, stiffness, swelling and decreased movement of the joints.
2-joint stiffness in active RA is often the worst in the morning.
3-Low grade fever
4-Loss of appetite & fatigue.
5-Firm lumps, called rheumatoid nodules, which grow beneath the skin in places such as the elbow and hands.
DIAGNOSIS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
1-Rheumatoid factor:
an antibody, or blood protein, found in about 80% of patients with RA.
an antibody, or blood protein, found in about 80% of patients with RA.
2-Antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (pieces of proteins), or anti-CCP for short (found in 60 - 70% of patients with RA)
3-Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (a blood test that, in most patients with RA, confirms the amount of inflammation in the joints)
4-X-rays can help in detecting Rheumatoid Arthritis but may be normal in early arthritis.
BOTTOMLINE:
Treatments for RA can stop joint pain and swelling. Treatment also prevents joint damage. Early treatment will give better long-term results.
Regular low-impact exercises, such as walking, and exercises can increase muscle strength.
It is important to get the help of a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is a doctor who treats arthritis and autoimmune disease. A rheumatologist will help find a treatment plan that is best for your disease.
Regular low-impact exercises, such as walking, and exercises can increase muscle strength.
It is important to get the help of a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is a doctor who treats arthritis and autoimmune disease. A rheumatologist will help find a treatment plan that is best for your disease.
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