Paper Topic:

Rheumatoid Arhritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA ) is a chronic , inflammatory disease primarily of the joints brought about by autoimmune responses whereby the body attacks one 's own cells or tissues . The cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown however , the disease is thought to be caused by multiple factors including genetic , environmental and lifestyle factors Early diagnosis through various specific tests and proper identification of the corresponding signs and symptoms would be beneficial for the early treatment of the disease . Various

treatment regimens can be applied ranging from medications , physical therapy and exercise lifestyle modification , overall health maintenance and minimizing or avoiding the risk factors associated with RA . At all stages of the disease course , nursing care can be beneficial for the positive prognostic outcome of a patient reduction of further damage and prevention of complications as well . Measures to attain these goals are through proper administration of drugs , patient monitoring for therapeutic responses and compliance as well as psychological or emotional support provided through nursing care

The Nature of the Disease - Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA ) is described as a chronic , autoimmune disease that develops progressively over time . In the course of autoimmune diseases , the body attacks one 's own body cells causing damage . In rheumatoid arthritis , the joints are most commonly affected . The inflammation occurring at the joints result in pain , feeling of joint stiffness and swelling of the synovial joints . These symptoms are usually manifested symmetrically which means that symptoms are manifested on both the right and left regions of the body , such as the right and left knee , for example . RA may also cause severe damage to the joints leading to deformity or permanent disability . However , other tissues may be affected as well such as tendons , ligaments and muscles of the RA patient (Shiel 2007 NIAMS 2005 Risley , Thomas and Bray 2004

Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1 of worldwide population . Women are twice or three times more commonly affected as compared to men . The disease usually strikes people in their third to fifth decade of life (Remicade n .d Risley , et . al , 2004

The cause of the disease or the etiology of the disease remains to be unknown . Researches suggest that a person 's genes may play a role in the development of the disease . Certain infectious agents have also been thought to trigger development of RA however , no study has yet conclusively identified the causative agent for RA . Environmental factors also pose a risk for development of RA . Other debated risk factors for development of RA have been mentioned in various s including smoking , daily consumption of more than three cups of coffee excessive vitamin D intake , oral contraceptive use and many more (Shiel 2007 NIAMS 2005 Rindfleisch and Muller 2005

Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis usually have general symptoms like malaise or feelings of weakness , fatigue or tiredness , weight loss and depression . Specific signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain , stiffness , swelling...

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