Rheumatoid Arthritis
Evidence in Egyptian mummies having disfigured hands and feet suggests the ancient Egyptians were plagued with a modern disease known as rheumatoid arthritis (Mandal, nd). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease affecting thousands of people. The disease commonly attacks the joints of hands and feet causing irreparable damage. Treating RA may be a challenge because the cause of the disease is still being studied. A person diagnosed with arthritis can expect a lifelong battle of stiffness and swelling of the joints that can wreak havoc on living a normal life.
Scientists have studied RA for hundreds of years. In the 1800 doctors made note of patients suffering stiff achy joints. Augustin Jacob Landré-Beauvais …show more content…
Eventually this disease will spread to knees, wrists, ankles, elbows, hips and shoulders. Other health issues linked to RA can include cardiovascular and respiratory disease which can lead to death. Regular doctor visits are required for aggressive treatment of RA. A rheumatologist is a doctor who is experienced with arthritis and other diseases of the joints and bones. The rheumatologist will routinely examine patients for red, swollen, warm joints. Doctor will order blood work checking liver and kidney function, and continually monitor x-rays. The pain and swelling may come and go from day to day be sure doctors are up to date on all medical conditions. Early detection, proper care, and aggression are important steps for successfully battling and controlling RA (CDC …show more content…
Drug therapy will not cure the disease, but they will help relieve symptoms and slow progression. Methotrexate is a common drug used for RA. Methotrexate is a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), used to lessen swelling and slow progression by targeting the immune system. The immune system may be weakened due to the use of a DMARD. Biologic response modifiers are used alongside DMARDs drugs. Biologics modify the immune system by blocking TNF, the underlying cause of inflammation. This helps stop further joint damage and makes everyday tasks easier. Unfortunately a side effect is having a weaker immune system, making it easier for users to catch viruses. Biologics must be administered once a month in the doctor’s office through an IV. For minor inflammation caused by RA, an over the counter NSAID can be taken. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) include, ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen. If needed the rheumatologist can prescribe a stronger pain reliever known as an analgesic. Morphine is an analgesic, it is used to block pain nerve signals from reaching the peripheral nerve. Morphine is a controlled substance and is often an abused drug (Mayo
Evidence in Egyptian mummies having disfigured hands and feet suggests the ancient Egyptians were plagued with a modern disease known as rheumatoid arthritis (Mandal, nd). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease affecting thousands of people. The disease commonly attacks the joints of hands and feet causing irreparable damage. Treating RA may be a challenge because the cause of the disease is still being studied. A person diagnosed with arthritis can expect a lifelong battle of stiffness and swelling of the joints that can wreak havoc on living a normal life.
Scientists have studied RA for hundreds of years. In the 1800 doctors made note of patients suffering stiff achy joints. Augustin Jacob Landré-Beauvais …show more content…
Eventually this disease will spread to knees, wrists, ankles, elbows, hips and shoulders. Other health issues linked to RA can include cardiovascular and respiratory disease which can lead to death. Regular doctor visits are required for aggressive treatment of RA. A rheumatologist is a doctor who is experienced with arthritis and other diseases of the joints and bones. The rheumatologist will routinely examine patients for red, swollen, warm joints. Doctor will order blood work checking liver and kidney function, and continually monitor x-rays. The pain and swelling may come and go from day to day be sure doctors are up to date on all medical conditions. Early detection, proper care, and aggression are important steps for successfully battling and controlling RA (CDC …show more content…
Drug therapy will not cure the disease, but they will help relieve symptoms and slow progression. Methotrexate is a common drug used for RA. Methotrexate is a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), used to lessen swelling and slow progression by targeting the immune system. The immune system may be weakened due to the use of a DMARD. Biologic response modifiers are used alongside DMARDs drugs. Biologics modify the immune system by blocking TNF, the underlying cause of inflammation. This helps stop further joint damage and makes everyday tasks easier. Unfortunately a side effect is having a weaker immune system, making it easier for users to catch viruses. Biologics must be administered once a month in the doctor’s office through an IV. For minor inflammation caused by RA, an over the counter NSAID can be taken. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) include, ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen. If needed the rheumatologist can prescribe a stronger pain reliever known as an analgesic. Morphine is an analgesic, it is used to block pain nerve signals from reaching the peripheral nerve. Morphine is a controlled substance and is often an abused drug (Mayo