WHAT:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs. There is no cure, only methods and medications to releive symptoms and hopefully major joint deformation.
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Morning stiffness (lasting more than 1 hour)
Widespread muscle aches
Weakness
WHY:
The cause of RA is unknown. It is considered an autoimmune disease. The body's immune system normally fights off foreign substances, like viruses. But in an autoimmune disease, the immune system confuses healthy tissue for foreign substances. As a result, the body attacks itself.
WHERE:
Eventually, joint pain appears. When the joint is not used for a while, it can become warm, tender, and stiff. When the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, it gives off more fluid and the joint becomes swollen. Joint pain is often felt on both sides of the body, and may affect the fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, toes, and neck.
WHO:
2 million people in this country are effected by RA; much more common in women than men. Women ages 25-50, mostly childbearing years.
No comments:
Post a Comment