Relevant Information on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Today, enjoy reading relevant information on rheumatoid arthritis.


Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common chronic inflammatory arthritis involving small joints of hands and feet predominantly but large also get involved. It affects 0.5-1% of general population worldwide. Women are affected more commonly than men (female to male ratio varies from 3:1 to 9:1).
In general, autoimmune diseases are more commonly seen in women. This higher prevalence is partly attributed to the X chromosome, which has many genes relating to immune system. Women have two X chromosomes, which bless them with robust immune system that provides defense against infections, but make them vulnerable for autoimmune diseases like RA. Also, female sex hormones (oestrogen) play a role in development of autoimmune diseases, which is manifested by the fact that RA starts shortly after puberty, and often changes profile during pregnancy.
However, exact cause of RA is still not known. Multiple factors play a role in the causation of RA. In genetically susceptible individuals hormones (estrogen, prolactin), obesity and environmental factors like air pollution, cigarette smoking, infections (bacteria or viruses), insecticides and, occupational exposure to mineral oil and silica play a role in the development of arthritis. RA is also triggered by stress and unhealthy eating. The disease expression, in terms of rate of progression and severity, is also modified by various exogenous factors like smoking and infection. RA is not hereditary but studies have revealed that the risk of being diagnosed with RA increases by three times if someone has a first-degree relative with disease.
RA is a treatable condition. In current times, many therapeutic agents known as disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) with proven efficacy and acceptable safety are available in India. 60-70% patients respond to oral conventional synthetic DMARDs.
Those who have refractory RA, require biologic agents which are expensive drugs. Early diagnosis, aggressive treatment to control inflammation as fast as possible and continued physical activity is the ‘Mantra’ to treat RA. Also, it is possible for RA patient to lead a pain free, disability free normal life but on drugs.



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