An autoimmune disease develops when your immune system decides your healthy cells are foreign. As a result, your immune system attacks healthy cells. Depending on the type of autoimmune disease you have, it can affect one or many different types of your body tissue which can cause abnormal organ growth and changes in organ function.
There are as many as 80 types of autoimmune diseases. Many of them have similar symptoms, which makes them very difficult to diagnose. It’s also possible to have more than one at the same time. Autoimmune diseases usually fluctuate between periods of remission (little or no symptoms) and flare-ups (worsening symptoms). Currently, treatment for autoimmune diseases focuses on relieving symptoms because there is …show more content…
Because Rheumatoid Arthritis mimics many other diseases, it is very difficult to diagnose in its early stages. This disease can not be diagnosed with no one blood test or physical finding.There is no known cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis but you can have symptom remission with early treatment and strong medication(s) known as DMARDS (Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs). Your doctor will check your joints for swelling, redness, and warmth, as well as check your reflexes and muscle strength during your physical exam. Blood tests determine any indication of an inflammatory process in the body, because people with Rheumatoid Arthritis often have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESP, or sed rate) or C-reactive protein (CRP). Imaging tests may be recommended by your doctor because X-rays help to track the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis in your joints over time. MRI’s along with ultrasound tests may be recommended to help your doctor judge the severity of the disease in your body (Mayo Clinic Staff, …show more content…
During joint replacement surgery, your surgeon removes the damaged parts of your joint and inserts a prosthesis made of metal and plastic.
According to Mayo Clinic (2016) some common alternative treatments that have shown promise for Rheumatoid Arthritis include:
Fish oil. Some preliminary studies have found that fish oil supplements may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain and stiffness. Side effects can include nausea, belching and a fishy taste in the mouth. Fish oil can interfere with medications, so check with your doctor first.
Plant oils. The seeds of evening primrose, borage and blackcurrant contain a type of fatty acid that may help with rheumatoid arthritis pain and morning stiffness. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea and gas. Some plant oils can cause liver damage or interfere with medications, so check with your doctor first.
Tai chi. This movement therapy involves gentle exercises and stretches combined with deep breathing. Many people use tai chi to relieve stress in their lives. Small studies have found that tai chi may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain. When led by a knowledgeable instructor, tai chi is safe. But don't do any moves that cause
There are as many as 80 types of autoimmune diseases. Many of them have similar symptoms, which makes them very difficult to diagnose. It’s also possible to have more than one at the same time. Autoimmune diseases usually fluctuate between periods of remission (little or no symptoms) and flare-ups (worsening symptoms). Currently, treatment for autoimmune diseases focuses on relieving symptoms because there is …show more content…
Because Rheumatoid Arthritis mimics many other diseases, it is very difficult to diagnose in its early stages. This disease can not be diagnosed with no one blood test or physical finding.There is no known cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis but you can have symptom remission with early treatment and strong medication(s) known as DMARDS (Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs). Your doctor will check your joints for swelling, redness, and warmth, as well as check your reflexes and muscle strength during your physical exam. Blood tests determine any indication of an inflammatory process in the body, because people with Rheumatoid Arthritis often have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESP, or sed rate) or C-reactive protein (CRP). Imaging tests may be recommended by your doctor because X-rays help to track the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis in your joints over time. MRI’s along with ultrasound tests may be recommended to help your doctor judge the severity of the disease in your body (Mayo Clinic Staff, …show more content…
During joint replacement surgery, your surgeon removes the damaged parts of your joint and inserts a prosthesis made of metal and plastic.
According to Mayo Clinic (2016) some common alternative treatments that have shown promise for Rheumatoid Arthritis include:
Fish oil. Some preliminary studies have found that fish oil supplements may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain and stiffness. Side effects can include nausea, belching and a fishy taste in the mouth. Fish oil can interfere with medications, so check with your doctor first.
Plant oils. The seeds of evening primrose, borage and blackcurrant contain a type of fatty acid that may help with rheumatoid arthritis pain and morning stiffness. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea and gas. Some plant oils can cause liver damage or interfere with medications, so check with your doctor first.
Tai chi. This movement therapy involves gentle exercises and stretches combined with deep breathing. Many people use tai chi to relieve stress in their lives. Small studies have found that tai chi may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain. When led by a knowledgeable instructor, tai chi is safe. But don't do any moves that cause