Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune syndrome. It causes joint pain and damages all over the body. The joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis occurs on both sides of the physique. So if one joint like on arms or legs is affected, the same another one will be affected as well. Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis works better with treatment.

Type of Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are different types of rheumatoid arthritis. These consist of :

• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis usually occurs in children at the age of 17 or minor years. It was previously known as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). The symptoms are similar to the other types of rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, the JIA may include eye inflammation and problems with physical development.

• SEROPOSITIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

 Seropositive RA implies the blood contains antibodies that attack the immune system and also inflames the joints. It is also known as Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides or Anti-CCPs.

• SERONEGATIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Seronegative RA means the blood doesn’t contain any anti-CCPs or enough of it. If symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis still happen then it may arise later on.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The main cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. However, certain risk factors play an important role in increasing RA.

Aspects that may trigger RA :

• Having obesity
• Having a history of viral infection like the Epstein-Barr Virus that causes mononucleosis
• Smoking cigarette
• Disclosure to a specific type of bacteria such as periodontal disease
• Damage or trauma such as dislocation of bone, bone fracture, or ligament damage

•        Having a family history of the RA.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Generally, rheumatoid arthritis takes effect with minor symptoms that come and go. The symptoms differ from mild to severe. The time of RA symptoms is called flair-up.  When symptoms are less visible is called remission.

The RA symptoms can affect various organs in the human anatomy. The joint pain symptoms involve:

•             Immobility in the joints

•             Joint pain

•             Dysfunction of joints and deformities

•             Swollen joints

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

 Advancement in medication strategies has resulted in improvement for RA patients. Rheumatologist uses a treatment philosophy known as Treat to Target Rheumatoid Arthritis to manage this condition. The strategy treatment comprises:

•             Putting a specific goal that signals the low disease state or remission

•             Conducting monthly monitoring to observe the ongoing treatment

Reducing inflammation can help to prevent damages in joints or other organs. The treatment includes;

•             Dietary changes

•             Medications

•             A specific type of exercise

•             Home or alternative remedies

Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis              

It generally takes time to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. It requires several lab tests to confirm the symptoms. Physical examination of the joints may perform by the doctors. These procedures include;

•             Examining reflexes and muscles strength

•             Examining the range of motion and joint

•             Checking the pained point for warmth and tenderness

•             Checking for swells and redness

Blood Tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatologists suggest several types of blood tests for confirming rheumatoid arthritis. The tests involve;

• Anti-citrullinated protein antibody test (anti-CCP): It usually looks for antibodies related to rheumatoid arthritis in the body. CCP is more precise than RF.

• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: The ESR tests decide the extent of inflammation in the body.

• Rheumatoid factor test: The test checks for a protein called Rheumatoid factor, which is connected to autoimmune diseases.

• Antinuclear antibody test: The test examines the immune system to see if it is developing antibodies.

Suresh Hospital’s ../department of Allergy and Autoimmune System

An autoimmune disorder like Rheumatoid arthritis may cause stiffness, pain, inflammation, and dysfunction in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis may cause by genetic factors, environmental factors, personal factors. Symptoms of RA including fatigue, swelling, pain. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are considered helpful for the patients. We at Suresh Hospital have an experienced and highly qualified medical team who assist and coordinate the physicians. Immunotherapy is also done here.