Immunogenetics: Open Access
Open Access

Overview and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Tu Guo^{* *}Correspondence: Tu Guo, Department Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China, Email:

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Description

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints and other parts of the body. It is a progressive disease that can cause joint deformities and disability if left untreated. RA affects people of all ages, but it is more common in women than men. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Causes of rheumatoid arthritis

The exact cause of RA is still unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have shown that certain genes increase the risk of developing RA. Environmental factors such as smoking, obesity, and exposure to certain viruses and bacteria may trigger the onset of RA in people who are genetically predisposed to the disease.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

The symptoms of RA can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms of RA include:

Joint pain and stiffness–RA usually affects the smaller joints first, such as those in the hands and feet. The pain and stiffness are usually worse in the morning and after periods of inactivity.

Swelling–RA causes inflammation in the joints, which can cause swelling and tenderness.

Fatigue–RA can cause fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.

Fever–Some people with RA may experience a low-grade fever.

Weight loss–Some people with RA may experience weight loss due to a loss of appetite.

Rheumatoid nodules–RA can cause small bumps to develop under the skin, known as rheumatoid nodules.

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

There is no cure for RA, but early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow down the progression of the disease and reduce symptoms. The treatment of RA usually involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy.

Medication–There are several medications that can be used to treat RA, including Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), and biologic drugs. NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation, while DMARDs and biologic drugs are used to slow down the progression of the disease.

Lifestyle changes–Making certain lifestyle changes can also help to reduce symptoms of RA. Exercise can help to improve joint function and reduce stiffness, while maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the joints. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can also help to reduce inflammation.

Physical therapy–Physical therapy can help to improve joint function and reduce pain and stiffness. A physical therapist can work with a person with RA to develop an exercise program that is tailored to their individual needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints and other parts of the body. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. Although there is no cure for RA, early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow down the progression of the disease and reduce symptoms. If experiencing joint pain and stiffness, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.