Affects 1% of Indian population
Rheumatoid Arthritis affects 1% of the India population. What stands out is the fact that it affects women more than men. This disease grows during pregnancy and may flare up after the pregnancy.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease. In this disease, the body’s immune system, which is responsible for keeping the body safe from any bacteria and viruses, malfunctions and begins to attack the healthy tissue in the body, especially the joints in the body such as the wrists, fingers, elbows, knees and ankles.
This disease usually affects more than one joint and affects both sides of the body simultaneously. It erodes the lining of the joints causing inflammation, swelling, pain and deformity.
The immune system cells travel along with the blood and reach the joints. Once they reach the joints, they begin to cause irritation, which causes inflammation, and subsequently begins to erode the cartilage between the joints. If the cartilage completely erodes the bones could rub against each other and gradually become deformed.
The exact cause for the sudden offence the immune system launches against the healthy tissues in its own body is not known. Some medical experts believe it can be a bacteria which makes the immune system malfunction, some others believe it could be due to excessive smoking and yet some others think this disease is due to genetic factors. Hormones too are believed to cause this disease.
People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis usually complain of:
In its early stages, rheumatoid arthritis may be difficult to diagnose. The early signs mimic those of many other diseases and disorders.
A rheumatologist will check your joints for any pain and swelling. He will also check your muscles strength and joint flexibility.
The most common medical tests that diagnose rheumatoid arthritis are:
Complications of rheumatoid arthritis include:
Currently there is no treatment which can completely cure arthritis, however, the right medical interventions can greatly help to reduce your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe medications to control the arthritis pain or to bring down the inflammation and swelling. Steroids are often prescribed to treat inflammatory arthritis. Steroids can be taken in tablet form, and can also be injected into the joints.
Based on the seriousness of your condition the doctor may also advise you to opt for joint surgery. If your joint(s) (hip, knee, shoulder, and elbows) have been damaged beyond repair, you will benefit greatly from the joint replacement surgery.
The doctor can also advise you to undergo different forms of therapy such as:
Rheumatoid Arthritis affects 1% of the India population. What stands out is the fact that it affects women more than men. This disease grows during pregnancy and may flare up after the pregnancy.
This disease usually begins at middle age and progresses with age. It is infact, very common among older people. At times though children and young adults can develop this disease.
Obese people and smokers could be at a higher risk of developing this disease, and also men with low testosterone levels.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease which can affect many body parts, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, or brain. Know more about Lupus, its causes, symptoms, treatment and other useful facts, and videos on Health-Wiki
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You can undergo Ayurvedic treatment, which is very effective in RA.
More than the factor we need to know a test called Anti-CCp report and how much are your symptoms now
Very important to understand is that your husband should not be having any auto immune disorder so I would suggest to consult a doctor and get counselling for both of you to lwad a happy married life
All the best