Helping you to understand rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that involves inflammation and swelling of the joints. It is an autoimmune condition that affects tissues around the joints, and depending on the situation, it can also impact many other organs in the body.

While the specific origins of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown, and specific causes of the condition have not been identified, many physicians believed that virus, bacterial or fungal infections may trigger the condition. Other physicians believe that rheumatoid arthritis is genetic and is passed down in families from generation to generation.

However, research is continuing and following various theories that certain infections or environmental factors may trigger the initiation of the disease in any individual, regardless of family history.  Inflammation may occur in not only the joints but within soft body organs such as the lungs and the eyes. For this reason, smoking has often been a factor in those who have contracted and been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Understanding the Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is understood that rheumatoid arthritis is an immune system disorder that is caused by the body's white blood cells and other immune system components attacking the body's own cells and tissues. The body's immune system is designed to attack any foreign invaders caused by viruses, bacteria and fungal infections as well as fight against infections that result from injuries such as broken bones, lacerations, and puncture wounds.

Researchers have been able to determine that lymphocytes, which are the body's first defense immune cells are typically activated by certain chemical messengers called cytokines, which encourage B and T cells to march against infection and inflammation.  Cytokines are generally minuscule substances in the blood that communicate with white blood cells, to produce and multiply and then travel to infection sites. In rheumatoid arthritis, these white blood cells are unable to turn on the communications that stop the production of B and T cells. Because of this, the antibodies continue to attack healthy cells and tissues.

Doctors are not sure what triggers the white blood cells to communicate the need for B and T cells or how the body triggers the cessation of such production.  One thing is certain, the body's inability to control such production can wreck havoc on bones, joints, and soft body tissues.

Difficult to Diagnose

Because rheumatoid arthritis may be episodic in nature in its early stages, diagnosis is often delayed.  In order to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, doctors must have a thorough understanding of symptoms, as well as know how to detect the visual signs of inflammation and deformities. Sometimes, nodules and other parts of the body become inflamed and x-rays are often used to accurately diagnose the disease. Additionally, blood tests are used to detect abnormally high amounts of blood anti-bodies found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Scientists and researchers are continuing to study the reactions of immune system deficiencies and disorders. To date, there is nothing to prevent against rheumatoid arthritis, but early recognition of signs and symptoms may lead to prompt treatment that may help to reduce and relieve symptoms and increased long-term quality-of-life.



 

People who use four drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis are at risk of contracting fatal fungus infections, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The four drugs -- Enbrel, Remicade, Humira and Cimzia -- will be required to have proper warning labels on their packaging.

The drugs suppress the body's immune system, a key component in the rheumatoid arthritis disorder. Although the drugs relieve swelling and alleviate joint pain, they also leave users vulnerable to other infections, the FDA concluded.

Roughly 20 percent of patients who were taking one of the drugs had died the fungal disease histoplasmosis, the FDA said. The infection, which resembles the flu, attacks the lungs and spreads.