Results for "Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)"
Conditions Encyclopedia Entry 1783374965
** **Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)** is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. **CONTENT:** ### Overview Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder, meaning that the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation and degeneration. This results in pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can significantly impact daily life and quality of life. RA can affect any joint, but it most commonly affects the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. The exact cause of RA is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Some people may be more susceptible to developing RA due to their genetic makeup, while others may be triggered by environmental factors such as infections or exposure to certain chemicals. The symptoms of RA can vary from person to person, but they often include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. ### History/Background Rheumatoid Arthritis has been described in medical literature for centuries, with the first recorded mention dating back to the 16th century. However, it was not until the 19th century that the condition was fully understood and described as a distinct medical entity. In the early 20th century, the discovery of the role of the immune system in RA led to the development of new treatments, including corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Today, RA is recognized as a complex and multifaceted condition that requires a comprehensive treatment approach. ### Key Information **Key Facts:** * RA affects approximately 1% of the global population, with women being more likely to develop the condition than men. * The exact cause of RA is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. * The symptoms of RA can vary from person to person, but they often include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. * RA can be diagnosed using a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests, including blood tests and imaging studies. * Treatment for RA typically involves a combination of medications, including DMARDs, biologics, and corticosteroids, as well as lifestyle modifications such as exercise and stress management. **Key Statistics:** * 75% of people with RA experience significant joint damage within 5 years of diagnosis. * 50% of people with RA experience significant disability within 10 years of diagnosis. * The average cost of treating RA is estimated to be $20,000 per year. ### Significance Rheumatoid Arthritis is a significant condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can have a profound impact on daily life and quality of life, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. RA can also lead to significant disability and economic burden, making it a major public health concern. However, with early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, it is possible to manage the symptoms of RA and slow disease progression. **INFOBOX:** - Name: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Type: Chronic autoimmune disorder - Date: First described in medical literature in the 16th century - Location: Affects joints worldwide - Known For: Chronic inflammation and degeneration of the joints **TAGS:** Autoimmune disorders, Chronic conditions, Joint pain, Inflammation, Degeneration, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), Biologics, Corticosteroids, Lifestyle modifications, Public health concern.
Health & MedicineConditions Encyclopedia Entry 1781787484
** This encyclopedia entry is about **Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)**, a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. **CONTENT** ### Overview Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, leading to stiffness, swelling, and deformity. RA is a systemic disease, meaning it can affect multiple systems in the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Despite significant advances in treatment and management, RA remains a significant public health concern, with a substantial impact on quality of life, productivity, and economic burden. RA is characterized by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, which trigger an abnormal immune response that leads to inflammation and joint damage. The exact cause of RA is still not fully understood, but research suggests that a combination of genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, and environmental triggers, such as infections or stress, may contribute to the development of the disease. ### History/Background The history of RA dates back to ancient civilizations, with descriptions of joint inflammation and pain found in the writings of Hippocrates and Galen. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that RA was formally described as a distinct medical condition. The term "rheumatoid arthritis" was first coined in 1859 by British physician Alfred Baring Garrod, who recognized the disease as a chronic and debilitating condition that affected the joints. In the early 20th century, the discovery of the rheumatoid factor (RF) antibody marked a significant breakthrough in understanding RA. RF is a protein that is produced by the immune system in response to inflammation and is often present in people with RA. The development of more sensitive tests for RF and other biomarkers, such as anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), has improved diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. ### Key Information **Key Facts:** * RA affects approximately 1% of the global population, with women being more likely to develop the disease than men. * The disease typically affects people between the ages of 30 and 60, although it can occur at any age. * RA is a systemic disease, meaning it can affect multiple systems in the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. * The disease is characterized by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, which trigger an abnormal immune response that leads to inflammation and joint damage. * Treatment for RA typically involves a combination of medications, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and corticosteroids. **Symptoms:** * Joint pain and stiffness * Swelling and redness of the joints * Fatigue and weakness * Loss of appetite and weight loss * Fever and chills **Complications:** * Joint deformity and disability * Osteoporosis and bone loss * Eye inflammation and vision loss * Lung disease and respiratory failure * Heart disease and cardiovascular complications ### Significance RA is a significant public health concern, with a substantial impact on quality of life, productivity, and economic burden. The disease is a leading cause of disability and work loss, with estimated annual costs exceeding $100 billion in the United States alone. Despite significant advances in treatment and management, RA remains a challenging condition to manage, with many people experiencing persistent symptoms and complications. **INFOBOX** - **Name:** Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - **Type:** Chronic autoimmune disorder - **Date:** 1859 (first described by Alfred Baring Garrod) - **Location:** Global - **Known For:** Chronic inflammation and pain in the joints, leading to stiffness, swelling, and deformity. **TAGS:** Rheumatoid Arthritis, Autoimmune disorder, Chronic disease, Joint inflammation, Pain management, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), Biologics, Corticosteroids, Quality of life, Productivity, Economic burden.