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Rheumatoid arthritis is certainly the most dangerous and severe form of arthritis. It is known to attack both joints and some internal organs including eyes, lungs and heart. The signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include painful joint and eyes inflammations.
Rheumatoid arthritis is certainly the most dangerous and severe form of arthritis. It is known to attack both joints and some internal organs including eyes, lungs and heart. The signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include painful joint and eyes inflammations.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the fastest-acting form of arthritis, with most of the damage done within the first two-five years. We can’t cure it and we can’t prevent it, but if the condition is diagnosed early enough, we can minimize the secondary damage and slow down its progress.
Usually the “first line” drugs in the fight against RA are Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Many of them can be bought without prescription, though the strongest ones must be prescribed by your doctor. Another important “first line” defense is a proper diet, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. They reduce the problems related to decreased joint mobility as well as reduce the inflammations. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish oil, but unless you switch to some fish-rich diet permanently, food supplements such as Omega Daily are much better solution.
Biologics are another branch of anti-RA drugs. They work by modifying the body’s reactions in an attempt to stop the immune system from attacking the joints. They are quite effective, but their price is much above the level of an average citizen - especially that this treatment is covered only by the most expensive policies.
DMARD are another family of drugs used to treat RA. Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs have, unlike NSAIDs, little effect on the inflammations themselves. Their role however, is much more important: they minimize the damage done by the disease.
Besides medications, there is also a few other things you may want to do in order to make your life with rheumatoid arthritis easier. First, you need to accept that RA won’t go, so you can’t simply “wait until it is gone.” While some activities are beyond of your reach, it does not mean that you can only sit down and watch TV. Another important thing is that you need to do some sport. While you may feel it is safer to put no stress at all to your joints, this will only speed up the disease progress. Strong muscles reduce the impact of RA and increase the flexibility of your joints. However, you’d better choose such exercises that do not harm your joints - usually swimming is the best idea.
Only in the United States there are more than two million people affected by this disease. While it affect women more often than men and the susceptibility to RA is thought to be hereditary, don’t discard it even if you’re a male with no RA history in your family. It can happen to anyone, anytime - if you suspect you have RA, contact your doctor ASAP. Every week matters, so don’t delay your visit!