Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune ailment or disorder. Most doctors are not sure of what the primary causes of this inbuilt attack of the immune system. Nevertheless, there are some factors, which have been identified as contributing to it.
Factors that contributes to RA
Genetic Factors: Some genes play a minimal function in the growth of RA. According to recent studies, researchers have pinpointed some genetic markers, which is controlling the immune responses of the body. The study later concluded that people with some particular set of gene (HLA) are more prone to having RA when compared with others. Nevertheless, not all RA patients have such gene and vice versa.
Environmental Factors: Various environmental factors have contributed to giving people a greater risk of developing RA. They include:
- Insecticides
- Bacteria and viruses
- Air pollution
- Exposure to secondhand smoke.
Apart from these, risks from exposure to occupational hazards can contribute to the growth of RA. These include mineral oils and Silica mineral (found in granite, sandstone, obsidian, and diorite)
Personal Factors: Some of the personal factors include:
Gender: Male and female are susceptible to RA, however, it is more common in men. About 70% of people that has been diagnosed with RA are women, but this may be because of variation of hormonal factors, which are involved in the growing of RA. Variation in hormones aids the promotion of the development of rheumatoid arthritis in people that have been exposed to triggering events. RA symptoms have the tendency of improving or disappearing totally during pregnancy, however frequent flares are prone after delivery. Beside this, breastfeeding can make the symptoms of RA to flare.
Age: Age is also a determining factor of RA and affects those within the age of 40 to 60
Family History: People whose family members have a history of this ailment have a higher risk of developing this disorder or disease.
What are the Treatments for RA?
The primary aim of treating RA is as follow
- Relieve the symptoms
- Stop inflammation
- Reduce any long-term complications
- Improve the physical and overall well-being of the individual.
- Prevent organ and joint damage
For these aims to be meet, doctors make use of the following strategies
Early and aggressive treatment: The first plan is to stop or reduce inflammation as speedily as possible. The earlier this is done, the better it will be.
Targeting remission: Doctors speak of Inflammation in RA as disease activity. The critical aim is to stop it and actualize remission. This means that there will be no sign or minimal symptoms of the active inflammation. The “treat to target” is one of the strategies of achieving this.
Medications for Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis has different drugs for its treatment. They include:
- Drugs that minimize the symptoms such as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Drugs that retards the activity of the disease such as corticosteroids
- Biologics
- JAK inhibitors
Surgery for rheumatoid arthritis might not be required, but it is one of the essential options for people who damage has hinder them from performing their daily function, independence, and mobility.
What are some strategies to improve my quality of life while managing Rheumatoid Arthritis?
RA has an impact on various aspects of daily life, including work, social activities, and leisure time. Fortunately, there are numerous low-cost strategies available within the community that have been proven to increase quality of life.
Engage in physical activity. Experts recommend that adults aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, such as walking, swimming, or biking for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. This can also help to reduce the risk of developing other chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and depression. It is possible to break these 30 minutes into three ten-minute sessions throughout the day. It may be helpful to learn more about physical activity for arthritis.
Attend effective physical activity programs. For those who are concerned about worsening their arthritis or unsure how to safely exercise, participating in physical activity programs can be beneficial. These programs can help to reduce pain and disability associated with RA, as well as improve mood and mobility. Classes are often offered at local community centers, Ys, and parks. It may be helpful to learn more about the physical activity programs that have been recommended by the CDC.
Join a self-management education class. People with arthritis, including RA, can benefit from participating in self-management education classes. These classes can help individuals gain confidence in managing their symptoms, learn how to live well with arthritis, and understand how arthritis impacts their lives. It may be helpful to learn more about the self-management education programs recommended by the CDC.
Quit smoking. Smoking cigarettes can worsen RA and cause other health problems. It can also make it more difficult to engage in physical activity, which is a crucial part of managing RA. Support is available to help individuals quit smoking, such as the resources provided by the CDC’s Tips From Former Smokers website.
