Rheumatoid Arthritis An Autoimmune Disease - 1265 Words

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease and chronic inflammatory illness that causes the body’s immune system to attack its joints rather than the usual foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria (Arthritis Foundation, 2015; Mayo Foundation, 1998-2015). Unlike wear-and-tear osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis attacks the lining of the joints and often other body tissues such as the heart, skin, eyes and lungs (Arthritis Foundation, 2015; May Foundation, 1998-2015). Due to the body’s normal immune response, redness, inflammation, pain, and swelling, arise and can ultimately result in the destruction of bone and joint, causing for deformity (Mayo Foundation, 1998-2015). In the United States, about 1.5 million people have Rheumatoid Arthritis (Arthritis Foundation, 2015). Within this population, women are three times more likely to experience this than men. It has been noted to commonly occur between the ages of 30-60 for women and later in life for men (Arthri tis Foundation, 2015). Men may be protected by hormonal factors and require a stronger genetic component to develop disease. Rheumatoid Arthritis is thought to stem from a combination of genetic susceptibility and exposure to an appropriate environmental trigger. (Ollier, W. E., Harrison, B., Symmons, D. 2001). Within the aspect of genetics it is most likely hereditary. Although infectious triggers of RA have long been suspected, no definitive evidence has been obtained. Previous blood transfusion,Show MoreRelatedRheumatoid Arthritis : An Autoimmune Disease1374 Words   |  6 PagesRheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and is a chronic type of arthritis that occurs in the joints. RA is autoimmune disease where the immune system is not working properly and in the case of RA involves one’s immune cells attacking healthy joint tissue. Symptoms of this condition include joint pain, joint swelling, stiffening of the joints after long periods of inactivity and/or sitting , rheumatoid nodules, flare ups and fatigue. If someone is diagnosed with RA they will have to live withRead MoreRheumatoid Arthritis : An Autoimmune Disease1167 Words   |  5 PagesRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects the cartilage in one s joints, it is not curable, it can not be stopped, only the pain itself can be lessened. In an average person’s body, the immune system has one job; to attack foreign substances that may enter the body. With the 1.5 million people in the United States that have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, their bodies are â€Å"tricked† or mislead into thinking that the cartilage within their joints is what is foreignRead MoreRheumatoid Arthritis : An Autoimmune Disease1483 Words   |  6 PagesRheumatoid Arthritis is a disease that targets the joints and various organs. Experts on the condition have associations between the disease and different possible causal factors, but they do not have a definite ca use for the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis affects all people of various backgrounds; however, it is more prevalent in women. Even though there is not a known cause of the condition, there are treatments that can help relieve, control, prevent, and slow down the progression and pain of theRead MoreRheumatoid Arthritis : An Autoimmune Disease1154 Words   |  5 PagesDescription: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the joints, most often in the hands and feet. It results in swelling, stiffness, pain, and sometimes joint, bone, and cartilage destruction. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects joints on both sides of the body equally, meaning if a joint on one side is affected, the same joint on the opposite side is affected as well. Rheumatoid arthritis belongs to a group of diseases called autoimmune disorders that affects joints. InRead MoreRheumatoid Arthritis : An Autoimmune Disease Essay1495 Words   |  6 PagesRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that is described as â€Å"systematic inflammatory disease that manifests itself in multiple joints in the body†. (Center for Disease Control, 22 Jul. 2016) It is an autoimmune disease that affects millions in the US both directly and indirectly. RA affects both genders and is prevalent in people of all races and nationalities. Symptoms for RA include swollen or stiffness in joints, fatigue, and fever. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 18 Mar. 2016) Treatment for RA ranges fromRead MoreRheumatoid Arthritis : An Autoimmune Disease2110 Words   |  9 PagesDisease Condition Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune, systemic disease that occurs in approximately 1% of the population. There are environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors that contribute to rheumatoid arthritis, with genetic factors having an increased effect. Rheumatoid arthritis is three times more prevalent in women than in men, and also tends to progress with age. Pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis have decreased signs and symptoms, but at postpartum the signs and symptoms willRead MoreRheumatoid Arthritis : The Most Popular Autoimmune Disease3121 Words   |  13 PagesAbstract According to research, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most popular autoimmune disease. RA is known to be a prolonged, systemic disease that causes inflammation. This inflammation can potentially disturb the synovial tissue that is in the body which eventually leads to damage in the joints, disabling functional abilities, and sometimes even leading to death. Many different factors can be held accountable for the diagnosis (Korczowska, 2014). Throughout this display of research many differentRead MoreRheumatoid Arthritis : A Progressive Inflammatory Autoimmune Disease843 Words   |  4 PagesAccording to Majithia Geraci (2007), rheumatoid arthritis is defined as a progressive inflammatory autoimmune disease that produces pain, oedema, redness, warmth and stiffness in the joint and may lead to joint distortion. Moreover, permanent loss of joint function, disability, joint dislocation and fibrous and bones ankylosis are the common complications of Rheumatoid arthritis (Gibofsky, 2012 ). Rheumatoid arthritis may last from months to lifelong and symptoms might worsen or improve over timeRead MoreRheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease associated with swelling600 Words   |  3 PagesRheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease associated with swelling and pain in multiple joints. First joint tissue to be affected is the synovial membrane, which lines joint cavity. Multiple immune-regulatory cytokines (such as B-cells and interleukins) contribute to joint damage. Eventually, inflammation may spread to articular cartilage, fibrous joint capsule, and surrounding ligaments and tendons, causing pain, joint deformity, and loss of function. Most commonlyRead MoreRheumatoid Arthritis And Its Effects1695 Words   |  7 Pages Rheumatoid Arthritis Jacob Elisha Carrington College Immunology 09/17/2015 Rheumatoid Arthritis Living on this Earth, humanity may encounter many different viruses, and infectious diseases which have the potential to jeopardize a well-being. In regards to autoimmune diseases, these types of conditions are due to your body’s immune system fighting off its own self. One of the more unfortunate autoimmune diseases attacks joints, and it is called Rheumatoid Arthritis. This disease can