What is the most common cause of rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 1

The exact cause of RA is at present not known Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder. That is a disorder where the immune system of the body mistakenly destroys the bodies own tissue. In the case of RA, joints and other tissues of the body are attacked by the immune system. Most commonly the immune system attacks synovia, the fluid around joints, causing swelling and discomfort

We are unsure of the exact mechanisms that brings about RA. However researchers feel these factors are involved. Chemicals called cytokines are used by the immune system cells to communicate. It is thought that people with RA have too much of certain types of cytokines, including interleukin (IL) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which may be sending the messages that cause the joints to be attacked. There is a greater risk of having RA if there is a member of the family with the disease or if you are female. Some family's are genetically predisposed to RA making them more prone to the disease. Biological factors such as hormone changes, or factors such as an infection, are believed to trigger the immune system to attack the joints in people prone to RA.

Answer 2

What many people call rheumatism is more likely referred to as arthritis, There are more then 100 different varieties of arthritishowever the three main varieties are, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and gouty Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis also referred to as inflammatory arthritis is an immune disorder where an inappropriate immune reaction to cartilage and other similar tissue of the body is rejected leading to joint destruction and deformity. There is no definitive way of diagnosing RA and it is usually diagnosed when there are multiple joints involved simultaneously; there is formation of rheumatoid nodules. There is progressive wear of joint cartilage usually seen in x rays, rheumatoid factor in the blood as well as sedimentation rates or other tests that indicate inflammation. it is a very serious and debilitating chronic disease for which there is no cure. treatment comes in the form of simple analgesics (pain killers) pain and damage control is achieved with non steroidal anti-inflammatory (aspirin for example) Steroidal anti inflamatory's (prednisone for example) The gold standard in the treatment of RA however is disease modification where drugs like methoblastin or plaquinil are used to interfere with the immune systems ability to cause the offending inflammation. this however is a treatment that has many undesirable side effects. Ra is by far one of the more serious forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis also referred to as non inflammatory arthritis this is a form of arthritis that is often the result of wear and tear and is more prevalent though not exclusive to the older age groups. It can also be the result of joint trauma, broken bones etc. With this problem original damage is not done by the inflammation and the inflammation is restricted to the area where there is damage. Treatment is basically done with painkillers and anti-inflammatory.

Gouty arthritis is caused by the formation of uric acid crystals in the blood which inturn invade synovial joints and other spaces in the body. Another form of this is psuedogout where the problem can be caused by calcium.

In general, all varieties are accompanied by inflammation of the joints. The cause of the inflammation is not always known. Anti-inflammatory drugs are beneficial in controlling the pain associated with inflammation, but even more than that, when the inflammation is reduced, the destruction on the joint is slowed. Arthritis causes a slow deterioration of the joints, to the point that the cartilage can be worn completely away resulting in direct bone-to-bone contact, which is extremely painful. That is the most extreme result of arthritis, and as of now, can only be treated with joint replacement surgery, although alternatives are being tested. But most people with arthritis are somewhere in the middle. Mild arthritis can be treated with aspirin, which is one of the oldest and arguably one of the most effective anti-inflammatory medications available. But aspirin causes undesirable side effects for many people, including stomach problems, bleeding and sometimes ringing in the ears. A relatively new class of medications, called NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) is available for treating arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Among these are Ibuprophen, Naproxen Sodium, and others. Note that while Tylenol is an effective pain reducer, it does not seem to have the anti-inflammatory effect on joints. Some people have experienced a reduction in pain by using Celebrex, and the newer Bextra. Contact your physician directly if you feel that your arthritis is severe enough to need a prescription medication. Mild arthritis can be treated with aspirin and ice packs to reduce the inflammation. Never put the ice in direct contact with your skin, always use a plastic bag or other container to contain the moisture and use a cloth between the ice and your skin to avoid injury from the cold. Arthritis is arguably the most common disease in the worl

Answer 3

It is not yet understood what the cause is for this disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The body's immune system mistakenly identifies the synovial membranes in joints as foreign. causing Inflammation, damaging cartilage and tissues in and around the joints. the effects of RA can also be found in other parts of the body such as heart lungs eyes etc.

Answer 4

To date the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Rheumatoid arthritis is an Autoimmune disease that has destructive effect on connective tissue in the body. It effects joints and many other organs and tissue as well.

Answer 5

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attack the body's own cartilage and other tissue. The cause or reason for this taking place is not known.

Answer 6

Rheumatoid arthritis is a autoimmune disorder caused by dysregulation of humoral and cell-mediated immunity results in the production of rheumatoid factor antibodies. This autoimmune response triggers the bodys immune system to attack its healthy tissues. Order research sample online from Central BioHub.

Answer 7

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of autoimmunity, the causes of which are still incompletely known.