Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), popularly known as inflammatory joint rheumatism, is a chronic rheumatic disease whose cause is unknown and can lead to damage, deformities and deformities in the joints if not treated well or diagnosed late. Although the disease can occur at any age, the typical age of onset is between 30 and 50 years of age. It is more common in women and its overall frequency has been reported to be around 1%.
DO GENETICS HAVE A ROLE IN THE FORMATION OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?
RA is a disease in which genetic factors play a role. It has been reported that patients with high rheumatoid factor (RF) are seen in their first degree relatives 4 times more than normal.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?
Especially in the wrist and hand. Pain and swelling, which can affect all joints, including the finger joints, are the main symptoms. Morning stiffness, felt especially in the hands when waking up in the morning, a feeling of difficulty in opening and closing the hands, opening them slowly and even lasting throughout the day, is also a common symptom. General symptoms that are not specific to the disease, such as weakness, fatigue, and weight loss, may also be observed before joint symptoms appear. There are also extra-articular findings. The most common extra-articular symptom manifests itself as dry eye.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
In the diagnosis, the patient's blood tests and blood tests are required in addition to the above-mentioned symptoms. It is now possible to make an earlier diagnosis with imaging methods. The recently developed test called Anti-CCP is very helpful in early diagnosis.
IS THERE A TREATMENT FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?
There have been serious developments in the treatment of RA in the last 10 years. However, early and correct diagnosis is very important. In addition to the various drugs used (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, methotrexate and other disease-modifying drugs and biological agents), appropriate diet, smoking cessation, protecting the joints with regular and correct exercises, and preventing deformities with the help of devices when necessary should also be included in the treatment.
The result is as; The presence of pain, swelling and morning stiffness in the joints, especially the hand joints, should not be ignored. It is necessary to investigate different rheumatic diseases, including inflammatory joint rheumatism, and consult a physician for early diagnosis.
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