Rheumatoid Arthritis

What causes Erythrocyte sedimentation rates to be high?

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), also called a sedimentation rate is the rate at which red blood cells precipitate in a period of 1 hour. This indicates a degree of inflammation. The test is performed by putting anti-coagulated blood in an upright tube, called a Westergren tube. The rate at which the red blood cells settle to the bottom is measured and reported in mm/h (millimeters per hour).

ESR is governed by the balance between pro-sedimentation factors, mainly fibrinogen, and those factors resisting sedimentation, i.e the negative charge of the erythrocytes (zeta potential). If there is an inflammatory process in action, there is a high proportion of fibrinogen in the blood and this results in red blood cells sticking to each other. The red cells form stacks called 'rouleaux' and these settle more quickly.

ESR increases where there is inflammation. ESR also increases in pregnancy or rheumatoid arthritis.

Sometimes the sulfates in wine and restaurant salads increase inflammation, and, therefore you would have more pain. As with anything, moderation works. Perhaps some wines have less sulfates. Keep a food diary for a month, also marking down any flares you have and perhaps you can make a connection.

There are many pain killers available that will deal with the pain of RA to some extent. However Inti anti inflammatory are the best way to go with this disease. when you are having a flare of RA you need to bring the inflammation causing the pain under control. in some cases this can be achieved by using over the counter medications such as "voltarin" (diclofenac) in reasonably strong doses taking care to follow the instructions as these are notorious for causing intestinal bleeding. next in line are prescription drugs such as "celebrex" (Celecoxib) these are less harmful to the gut and are more effective in combating the inflammation for many people. However there are many possible side effects The next type of drug used would be steroidal inti inflammatorys like prednisone. However regardles of how you relieve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis it is imperative that the inflamation is brought under control as it will completely destroy cartilage in the joint leading to disability, and disfigurement.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles that control chewing. TMJ disorders fall into three main categories: myofascial pain, internal derangement of the joint, and degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint.

The exact cause for Rheumatoid arthritis is not known Nor has a cure for it been developed. However there does seem to be a definit genetic connection with this disease.

Pulmonary fibrosis ( fibrosis of the lung) can be the result of conditions that include including chronic inflammatory processes such as among many others, (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), and certain medications.

No, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two different things with different symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, while psoriatic arthritis is a complication of psoriasis.

No Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and the amount of uric acid in the blood does not affect this disease. High levels of uric acid in the blood can however lead to what is known as Gouty arthritis, which is the result of uric acid turning int fine sharp crystals that settle in joints and other parts of the body.

It didn't when I flew on a 12 hour flight from London to Tokyo.

The real problem is the size of airline seats which are impossible for any normal person to be comfortable in, let alone anyone with rheumatoid arthritis.

A problem for people with RA is that they need too move their joints to keep them loose even when they are not in a period of rheumatic flare up, as to long a period without movement makes effected joints hurt.

Take every opportunity you can to stretch your legs, this is a good move to avoid thrombosis as well

It is not known what triggers the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Regardless of the exact trigger, the result is an immune system that is geared up to promote inflammation in the joints and occasionally other tissues of the body. Immune cells, called lymphocytes, are activated and chemical messengers (cytokines, such astumor necrosis factor/TNF, interleukin-1/IL-1, and interleukin-6/IL-6) are expressed in the inflamed areas.

Environmental factors also seem to play some role in causing rheumatoid arthritis. For example, scientists have reported thatsmoking tobacco, exposure to silica mineral, and chronic periodontal disease all increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

When the disease is active, symptoms can include fatigue, loss of energy,lack of appetite, low-grade fever, muscle and joint aches, and stiffness. Muscle and joint stiffness are usually most notable in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Arthritis is common during disease flares. Also during flares, joints frequently become red, swollen, painful, and tender. This occurs because the lining tissue of the joint (synovium) becomes inflamed, resulting in the production of excessive joint fluid (synovial fluid). The synovium also thickens with inflammation (synovitis).

Rheumatoid arthritis usually inflames multiple joints in a symmetrical pattern (both sides of the body affected). Early symptoms may be subtle. The small joints of both the hands and wrists are often involved. Symptoms in the hands with rheumatoid arthritis include difficulty with simple tasks of daily living, such as turning door knobs and opening jars. The small joints of the feet are also commonly involved, which can lead to painful walking, especially in the morning after arising from bed. Occasionally, only one joint is inflamed. When only one joint is involved, the arthritis can mimic the joint inflammation caused by other forms of arthritis, such as gout or joint infection. Chronic inflammation can cause damage to body tissues, including cartilage and bone. This leads to a loss of cartilage and erosion and weakness of the bones as well as the muscles, resulting in joint deformity, destruction, and loss of function. Rarely, rheumatoid arthritis can even affect the joint that is responsible for the tightening of our vocal cords to change the tone of our voice, the cricoarytenoid joint. When this joint is inflamed, it can cause hoarseness of the voice. Symptoms in children with rheumatoid arthritis include limping, irritability, crying, and poor appetite.

No Mosquito's do not cause rheumatoid arthritis, However there are a number of diseases such as malaria, Ross River Fever, Denue fever, and Barmah Forest virus that are introduced by Mosquito's

If you are suffering from the arthritic disease gout then nuts can aggravate the problem as they are high in purines and will tend to push up the production of uric acid leading to the production of uric acid crystal collecting in joints and other tissue causing inflammation and pain. However it should not have any great effect on conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.