Rheumatoid arthritis mosler
Explaining to patients
- Commonly starts at the age of 40-60
- More common in women
- Stiff and painful joints that may be red warm and swollen
- Generally unwell and have a fever
- Affect any joints in the body often starts in the small joints in the hands and feet
- Between the bones there is cartilage and fluid acting as cushion
- Autoimmune which means immune system normally allows the body to fight off infections
and illness becomes overactive and attack health joints
- The body now produce extra fluid now causes swelling this is known as inflammation streech
the capsule and push the joins out of shape
- The fluid also has chemicals which can cause permanent damage to the joins and
surrounding bones.
- Drugs are available and it is important to get on it as soon as you can to keep it under
control
- Having an active and healthy lifestyle can also reduce pain and stiffness.
The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are:
 joint pain
 joint swelling, warmth and redness
 stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting still
for a long time.
Other symptoms can include:
 tiredness and lack of energy – this can be known as fatigue
 a poor appetite (not feeling hungry)
 weight loss
 a high temperature, or a fever
 sweating
 dry eyes – as a result of inflammation
 chest pain – as a result of inflammation.
DMARDs cause a patient to become immunosuppressed. Immunosuppression long term carries some risk
especially risk of infection.
·
Patients need to know how to mitigate risk of infections (e.g. when travelling or planning holidays).