The elderly are often the ones who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis which is also known as RA, but this disease is usually diagnosed in middle age and then progresses into our later years causing severe joint pain and swelling. People of any age can be diagnosed with this autoimmune disease, even children. In fact, cases among younger people are actually increasing somewhat.
A common misconception is that RA only strikes the joints, but while this certainly is the most common scenario, other parts of the body can be affected as well. Other targets may include the skin, kidneys, the lungs or other organs. Despite much research, doctors still cannot cure this disorder and they don't actually know what causes it. RA is theorized to be highly hereditary and people are more likely to acquire rheumatoid arthritis if they have family member who suffers from it. Smokers also have been found to have a much higher risk of developing RA than non-smokers; however some cases of RA are idiopathic, meaning that there is no known cause.
RA symptoms may include swelling in your joints, as well as stiffness and limited movement. Nodules may also be found under your skin, as well. Blood tests are typically prescribed to look at the level of inflammation as well as to identify certain antibodies linked with the disease. Doctors also take x-rays to look for bone loss around the person's joints. These methods are required to determine the root of the problem and it is advised to seek medical help as soon as possible if symptoms arise.
At this time cure is still not found for RA and this disease is chronic and progressive. To help patients manage symptoms and slow progression of the disease, there are a variety of treatments that can be done. Regular exercise seems to improve strength and reduce fatigue and doctors typically recommend patients to do so. This can be a huge factor in preventing such diseases from progressing as quickly.
You can find two types of basic RA treatment today. The first one is usually done with the help of a medicine that relieves the symptoms or reduces the actual inflammation. This method includes the aid of some steroid-based drugs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are commonly called NSAIDs. With the help of both these drugs, stiffness, pain and swelling can be relieved. However, this type of treatment will only provide general relief.
The other type of treatment actually goes after the disease itself and attempts to force it into remission, although these treatments are not an actual cure. These are drugs are called disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, which often is abbreviated as DMARDs. A few of the more common DMARDs include methotrexate and sulfasalazube. DMARD medications have also been used to treat other conditions like cancer or inflammatory bowel disease and provide other benefits like reducing the risk of rejection of a transplanted organ. Another type of drug that helps reduce the symptoms of RA is Adalimumab which can be used in both adults and children over the age of four. Custom monoclonal antibodies were created and then used to create this type of drug.
A common misconception is that RA only strikes the joints, but while this certainly is the most common scenario, other parts of the body can be affected as well. Other targets may include the skin, kidneys, the lungs or other organs. Despite much research, doctors still cannot cure this disorder and they don't actually know what causes it. RA is theorized to be highly hereditary and people are more likely to acquire rheumatoid arthritis if they have family member who suffers from it. Smokers also have been found to have a much higher risk of developing RA than non-smokers; however some cases of RA are idiopathic, meaning that there is no known cause.
RA symptoms may include swelling in your joints, as well as stiffness and limited movement. Nodules may also be found under your skin, as well. Blood tests are typically prescribed to look at the level of inflammation as well as to identify certain antibodies linked with the disease. Doctors also take x-rays to look for bone loss around the person's joints. These methods are required to determine the root of the problem and it is advised to seek medical help as soon as possible if symptoms arise.
At this time cure is still not found for RA and this disease is chronic and progressive. To help patients manage symptoms and slow progression of the disease, there are a variety of treatments that can be done. Regular exercise seems to improve strength and reduce fatigue and doctors typically recommend patients to do so. This can be a huge factor in preventing such diseases from progressing as quickly.
You can find two types of basic RA treatment today. The first one is usually done with the help of a medicine that relieves the symptoms or reduces the actual inflammation. This method includes the aid of some steroid-based drugs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are commonly called NSAIDs. With the help of both these drugs, stiffness, pain and swelling can be relieved. However, this type of treatment will only provide general relief.
The other type of treatment actually goes after the disease itself and attempts to force it into remission, although these treatments are not an actual cure. These are drugs are called disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, which often is abbreviated as DMARDs. A few of the more common DMARDs include methotrexate and sulfasalazube. DMARD medications have also been used to treat other conditions like cancer or inflammatory bowel disease and provide other benefits like reducing the risk of rejection of a transplanted organ. Another type of drug that helps reduce the symptoms of RA is Adalimumab which can be used in both adults and children over the age of four. Custom monoclonal antibodies were created and then used to create this type of drug.
About the Author:
Armand Zeiders loves writing about biomedical research. For more info about custom antibodies, please go to the PrimmBiotech.com website today.
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