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Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects The Body

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About 1.3 million people in the U.S., have rheumatoid arthritis (Mann). Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects many joints, including the hands and feet. Over time, the inflammation may cause bone erosion and even joint deformity. Once diagnosed, people may experience stiffness, swelling, and even tenderness. As people age there are many chronic diseases that can be diagnosed. This one in particular is normally due to smoking and even over exercising (Warner). If caught early, Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated. Many people should be aware of the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, risk factors, and even the current and future outlook. People should always be aware …show more content…
Rheumatoid arthritis is not completely understood. An external trigger, such as smoking, infection, or trauma may cause an autoimmune reaction (Temprano). This reaction can lead to hypertrophy in the synovial join and cause inflammation and even manifestations. The basis behind all of this is the cell activation of hyperplasia and even endothelial. There are many different cells that have major roles in the pathophysiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis. There are CD4 T cells, fibroblasts, osteoclasts, mononuclear phagocytes, and neutrophils. There are also B cells which are known for producing antibodies. There are many abnormal productions that are seen in patients of RA. Some of these include; aabnormal production of many cytokines, chemokines and other medications that are used for inflammation. An example would be tumor necrosis factor alpha. There is also transforming growth, fibroblast growth, and even platelet-derived growth that is seen. The inflammation that is seen may lead to the destruction of many tissues, including bone, cartilage, blood vessels, ligaments, and even tendons. The most common structure to be involved is the articular structures. Rheumatoid arthritis is known as a systemic disease, this means that it affects all the parts of the body (Dunkin). When learning about the body, many people learn about homeostasis, which is the ability for the body to regulate …show more content…
Some of these symptoms may include tender, warm, and swollen joints. There may be morning stiffness that last the patient a few hours to subside. Fatigue, fever and even weight loss may be seen, along with firm bumps of tissue under the skin. In the earlier stages of rheumatoid arthritis, it normally only affects the smaller joints such as those of the fingers to hands and toes to feet. As the disease gets worse, it spreads to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hip, and shoulders. Normally, this disease is symmetric and occurs on both sides of the body (Mayo Clinic). Not only are joints affected by the disease, but also the rest of the body. Main parts that are affected are the skin, bones, eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, blood, nervous system and even the liver. The skin is mainly affected by nodules, or lumps of tissue that forms under the skin, or even rashes called vacuities. Drugs can even cause thinning of the skin and even bruising. The bones are affected by thinning out. The RA leads to loss of bone density, which leads to brittle bones. The eyes are affected by inflammation of the white part of the eyes and this can even lead to scarring. The arthritis may affect your vision, and even sensitivity to light. Eyes may become dry, and in worse case corticosteroid may cause cataracts and even glaucoma. The major organs may be affected as well. The lung in worse

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