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Rheumatoid arthritis can effect the functionality of patients to vastly different degrees. It can interfere with functionality from mere stiffness and pain in the morning to one or more joints of the body becoming totally unusable and disfigured. In some instances the only option left open in treatment is the replacement of joints to bring back functionality and relieve pain. Add to this the affects that RA can have on organs such as the heart lungs ,eyes vascular system and epidermis among others.

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What substance is found in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

In about 70% of RA patients Rheumatoid factor is present.


Does coconut oil benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

No


Which type of arthritis is found in younger patients such as people in their 20s?

Either osteoarthritis gained as a result of trauma in an accident or an inflammatory arthritis which is an autoimmune disease like juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.


Is there a diet that aids rheumatoid arthritics?

There are definitely foods you can eat that will worsen your pain with rheumatoid arthritis. Certain foods can also help too. www.webmd.com/���rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/���can-your-diet-help-relieve-rheumatoid-arthritis


What is the connection between rheumatoid arthritis and GM-CSF?

For information on this subject go to the related link (MedImmune Initiates First Clinical Trial of Monoclonal Antibody Targeting GM-CSFR in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis) Below


Is rheumatiod arthritis believed to be an autoimmune disease?

There are many forms of arthritis that are Autoimmune diseases Like for example rheumatoid arthritis's. This is a disease where the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks tissue in joints and other organs and part of the body. However this is not the case in all forms of arthritis For example osteoarthritis is a disease where joints are effected by wear tear and trauma and not as a result of inflammation caused by the immune system.


What is a autoimmune disease that attacks the joints?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. RA can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, and in other organs and tissue in the body. An autoimmune disease is a condition where body's tissues are mistakenly attacked by the body's own immune system. The immune is designed to "seek and destroy" invaders or foreign materials of the body, especially infections. Persons with autoimmune diseases have antibodies in their blood that attack their own body tissue, where they can be associated with inflammation. Because it can affect several organs of the body it is known as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness, meaning it can last for years, patients may experience long periods of time without symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness that has the potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability.


Prevelance of patients that cannot swallow tablets and have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis?

They would be a tiny minority and if they have RA they will soon learn how.


Does Rheumatoid arthritis cause hematuria?

It seems not, however if you go go to the related website below you will find more information on this subject (Isolated microscopic hematuria in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with age and sex matched controls. A population based study.)


What has the author Roselynn Chuong written?

Roselynn Chuong has written: 'The quality of care delivered to patients with rheumatoid arthritis living in Ontario'


An Introduction to Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that effects the joints. Most commonly, the disease manifests in the joints of the hands and feet. The disease causes the immune system to attack the body's tissues and can lead to severe joint damage and other issues.What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis may experience swelling or tenderness in the joints, stiffness in the early hours of the day, bumpy masses of tissue under the skin, weight loss, unusual tiredness and fever. During the early stages of the disease, patients may notice pain in the joints of the hands and feet. Eventually, symptoms may spread to other joints like the knees, hips or shoulders. Symptoms often flare up, becoming severe for a period of time, before calming during a remission period.What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?Doctors are not sure what causes the immune system to attack the body's own tissues, but the disease is likely genetic.What are the Risk Factors for Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis?Numerous factors may affect the risk of developing this disease. Women and the elderly are more likely than men or young people to develop the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis may also run in families. Smoking is also a risk factor.What are the Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis?Rheumatoid arthritis can affect more than just joints. Patients diagnosed with the rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis, a disease that weakens the skeleton and can cause bone fractures. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause cardiovascular problems, carpal tunnel syndrome and lung disease.How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?Rheumatoid arthritis can be a challenge to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to those of other diseases. There is no one procedure that can be done to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis but doctors may perform a physical exam, blood tests or x-rays to diagnose the disease.


What has the author Elizabeth Jane Ord written?

Elizabeth Jane Ord has written: 'A study of the application of nutrition to patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital' -- subject(s): Nutrition, Arthritis deformans