Rheumatoid arthritis (part 2): symptoms treatment

The disease symptoms appear and disappear, depending on the degree of inflammation of the joints. When tissues are inflamed the condition is active and when not feeling joints inflamed, disease is inactive, can occur spontaneously or after treatment, and maylast several weeks, months or years.

During the liberation, the disease symptoms disappear and, in general, patients feel better. When the disease symptoms recur, reappearance of disease symptoms is called burst. When disease is active can occur tiredness, lack of appetite, fever, pain and stiffness in their joints and muscles. Rigidity of muscles and joints, usually occurs in the morning and after periods of inactivity.

During outbreaks joints are swollen, painful and sensitive. It happens so because joints become inflamed, resulting in excessive production of liquid. In rheumatoid arthritis, are usually more swollen joints in symmetrical fashion (the same body part). And small joints are involved, such as those in hands or feet. Thus, ordinary activities, daily, such as door handles or opening jars can become almost impossible during outbreaks.

Occasionally, only one joint is inflamed, and in this case can mimic arthritis joint inflammation caused by other forms of arthritis such as gout or joint infection. Chronic inflammation can cause damage to body tissues, and bones. This situation leads to loss of cartilage, bone erosion and weakening, resulting in joint deformation but also the destruction and loss of functionality.

In rare cases, rheumatoid arthritis may affect joints responsible for stretching the vocal cords, change the tone of voice, in this case is hoarseness of voice. Because rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, inflammation can affect organs, other than joints.

Swollen glands of the eyes or mouth can cause dryness of these areas, giving rise to Sjogren's syndrome. Rheumatoid inflammation of lung pleura causes chest pain with cough and difficulty breathing. Inflammation of the tissues that surrounds the heart (pericardium), called pericarditis can cause chest pain that typically changes in intensity when you rest or sit.

A serious complication that occurs over time after the onset of rheumatoid disease, is blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis). Vasculitis deteriorating tissues with blood supply, leading to their death.

Treatment. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment aims to reduce inflammation and joint pain. Aggressive treatment can improve function and can stop joint damage. Optional treatment involves a combination of medicines to rest, exercise, joint protection and patient and family education. Also, the treatment is prescribed depending on many factors such as your job, types of joint involved, general health, age and occupation of the patient.