Rheumatoid arthritis is defined as, “a chronic systemic disease marked by inflammation of multiple synovial joints.” The inflammation within the articulations causes the synovial fluid inside the joints to harden making range of motion decrease significantly. Over time, if left unmonitored, the cartilage between the joints breaks down, causing permanent joint damage and deformity. There are an estimated 2 million people in the United States afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis with approximately 75% of those people being female. The initial onset of the disease typically ranges from ages 30 to 50. There are three types of RA to include: Type I, Type II, and Type III. All have varying degrees of severity. Type III is considered the most
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The presence of the human lymphocyte antigen on the surface of lymphocytes is thought to be an indication of the disease, as it is found in the majority of those individuals afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis. Hormonal imbalance and environmental factors, such as stress are also a factor in aggravating the disease. Scientists also speculate a virus or bacteria may induce the disease. There is much research to be done regarding rheumatoid arthritis, as it stands, it is considered to be an umbrella of numerous diseases which have not been individually …show more content…
Management of the disease during flares mainly consists of therapies to keep inflammation at bay. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to assist in decreasing inflammation. In addition, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs to suppress inflammation are used in an attempt to reduce flares. There are many serious side effects of DMARDs, so close monitoring of liver function as well as blood cell levels regularly is essential. Glucocorticoids are also used as a means to suppress the inflammatory response of the body, decreasing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. They are typically used only when DMARDs are being started to allow the effects to take place more effectively. Long term use of glucocorticoids is not recommended because of the high risks associated with long term use such as: hypertension, hyperglycemia, cataracts, and osteoporosis for
The presence of the human lymphocyte antigen on the surface of lymphocytes is thought to be an indication of the disease, as it is found in the majority of those individuals afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis. Hormonal imbalance and environmental factors, such as stress are also a factor in aggravating the disease. Scientists also speculate a virus or bacteria may induce the disease. There is much research to be done regarding rheumatoid arthritis, as it stands, it is considered to be an umbrella of numerous diseases which have not been individually …show more content…
Management of the disease during flares mainly consists of therapies to keep inflammation at bay. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to assist in decreasing inflammation. In addition, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs to suppress inflammation are used in an attempt to reduce flares. There are many serious side effects of DMARDs, so close monitoring of liver function as well as blood cell levels regularly is essential. Glucocorticoids are also used as a means to suppress the inflammatory response of the body, decreasing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. They are typically used only when DMARDs are being started to allow the effects to take place more effectively. Long term use of glucocorticoids is not recommended because of the high risks associated with long term use such as: hypertension, hyperglycemia, cataracts, and osteoporosis for