RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS - An autoimmune disease
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS – AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE
Rheumatoid
arthritis is an autoimmune disease which causes joint inflammation.
The damage of
joints which causes rheumatoid arthritis.
Inflammation of
one or more joints causing pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid
arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can effect more of your
joints.
As rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition,
which means it’s caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue.
If people are suffering with rheumatoid arthritis:
immune system mistakenly send antibodies to the lining of yours joints where
they attack the tissue of surrounding joints this causes thin layer cells
covering joints to be inflamed. Weakening of immune system is the main cause
for rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the Risk factors for
rheumatoid arthritis?
Being a woman.
Having a family history of rheumatoid arthritis.
Exposure to certain types of bacteria, associated
with periodontal disease.
Having a history of viral infections.
Trauma or injury such as bone fracture, dislocation
of bone.
Smoking.
Having obesity.
What are the Symptoms
of rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid
arthritis can affect several organs in the body. The joint symptoms of
rheumatoid arthritis include:
Joint pain
Joint swelling
Joint stiffness
Symptoms vary from
mild to severe.
EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Fatigue
Slight fever
Weight loss
Stiffness of joints Tenderness Joint pains,
redness, swelling
What are the Types of
rheumatoid arthritis?
Seropositive RA:
if
you have a positive rheumatoid factor blood test result, this means you have
antibodies that cause your immune system to attack joints.
Seronegative RA:
if
you have a negative rheumatoid factor blood test result, and anti CCP result,
but you still have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. You may eventually develop
antibodies changing diagnosis to seropositive rheumatoid arthritis.
Juvenile
idiopathic arthritis: this
refers rheumatoid arthritis to children in ages of 17 years old and younger.
The symptoms include eye inflammation and tissues with physical development.
WHAT IS THE DIET FOR RHEUMATOID
ARTHRTIS PATIENT?
People suffering with rheumatoid arthritis should
take an anti-inflammatory diet to help with symptoms. This type of diet
includes foods that have lots of omega 3 fatty acids.
Foods high in omega 3 fatty acids include:
Fatty fish like salmon, tuna herring and mackerel
Chia seeds
Flax seeds
Walnuts
Antioxidants such as vitamin A C and E and selenium
may also help reduce inflammation.
Foods rich in antioxidants include: berries, blueberries, cranberries goji
berries and strawberries
Dark chocolate
Spinach
Kidney beans
Eating lots of fibres is also important. Fibres may
help in reducing inflammatory responses which may decrease C- reactive protein
levels.
Foods containing flavonoids can also help to
counter inflammation in the body. They include:
Soy products such as tofu and miso
Berries
Green tea
Broccoli
Grapes
What are the
Home remedies for rheumatoid arthritis?
Certain home remedies and lifestyle adjustment may
help to improve quality of life.
EXERCISE: Low impact exercises can help to improve the
range of motion in your joints and increase your mobility. Exercise can also
strengthen muscles, which can help to relieve pressure from your joints.
Also gentle yoga which can help you regain strength
and flexibility
GET ENOUGH REST: taking more rest
during flare ups and less during remission. Getting enough sleep will reduce
inflammation and pain as well as fatigue.
APPLY HEAT OR COLD: Ice packs or cold
compresses can help to reduce inflammation or Pain. They may also be effective
against muscle spasms.
By ; Meghana goud
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