Inflammatory Rheumatism Etiology and Risk Factors
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease with an unknown cause, characterized by symmetrical arthritis, especially in the joints, and may involve other organs (heart, lung, eye, skin) and systems of the body.
Etiology and Risk Factors
Although it is not clear exactly how rheumatoid arthritis occurs, a person with a genetic predisposition; Immune system deteriorates with the encounter with environmental factors that trigger the event, even if these environmental factors disappear, the disease continues because the immune system is disrupted once. Some studies have shown an increase in the risk of rheumatoid arthritis with smoking. Rheumatoid arthritis most often begins at the age of 40-50 and is 2-4 times more common in women than men.
Symptoms
In the event we call arthritis, pain, swelling and stiffness occur in the joints. While an increase in temperature is also observed in the joints, redness is not an expected finding. The disease often involves the joints of the hands, wrists, fingers, ankles and toes of the body. Less commonly, the elbows, knees and ankles are affected, while the hip, shoulder, and neck joints are involved very little.
Patients express that they have difficulty closing their hands, especially when they get up in the morning. We call this morning stiffness. Morning stiffness that lasts longer than half an hour is important in terms of diagnosing the disease. Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms.
Permanent joint damage (deformity, disabilities) can be seen in the later stages of the disease.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis should only be made by the relevant specialist physician (Rheumatologist or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist) in accordance with the criteria based on a careful history, physical examination findings and laboratory tests.
Treatment
Since the cause of the disease is not known yet, the disease cannot be completely eradicated with treatment.
The aim of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis can be summarized as relieving pain, preventing joint damage and other complications, and ensuring that patients continue their daily activities. Many branches and disciplines are needed in treatment.
These branches and disciplines should act together and be in communication with each other. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment of rheumatoid arthritis should be the first goal. It is very important to improve the quality of life of the patient by suppressing the disease, and to ensure that he / she can perform daily and occupational activities completely. Minimizing and even preventing damages that may be seen in joints is the biggest goal in treatment. Adequate care should be taken to determine the frequency of control required to give the patient the most appropriate treatment.
