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Rheumatoid Arthritis: Autoimmune Disease

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Rheumatism Arthritis Early Identification Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system protects the body’s health by attacking unknown substances like bacteria and viruses, and mistakenly attacks the body’s joints. This creates inflammation causing the tissue that lines the inside of joints to thicken, which results in swelling and pain in and around the joints. The tissue makes a fluid that lubricates joints and helps them move smoothly. If inflammation goes unchecked, it can damage cartilage, the elastic tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, as well as the bones themselves. Over time, there is loss of cartilage, and the joint spacing between bones may become smaller. Joints can become …show more content…

Although, RA was a very common disease in ancient history. Arthritis and diseases of the joints have been plaguing mankind since ancient times. According to Choy (2013), “In around 1500 BC Ebers Papyrus described a condition that is similar to rheumatoid arthritis” (p.3). This is one of the first references to this disease. Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease was well-known in Egypt because of the evidence found while researching Egyptian mummies. Researchers found that RA was a common disease in ancient times due to lack of nutrition and lack of healthcare (Choy, 2013, p.4). In ancient times, treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis included bloodletting and leeching, which would likely lead to a variety of other health concerns. Next, Choy (2013) states, “The Far East developed practices of acupuncture, acupressure, and moxibustion” (Choy, 2013, p.3). Moxibustion means the use of heat. In the past, RA was also treated with plant extracts of Willow bark and leaves. These leaves contained silicon, and this relieved other arthritis pains for patients. Today, treatment changed to pharmaceutical medications named …show more content…

It is very important to know how to cope with and manage symptoms of RA. For example, my family member who went through the experiences of RA, and developed depression when she found out she has to take multiple medications, which had dangerous symptoms. She has gotten better over time, but that is only with the help and support of family and close friends. One way to manage the symptoms of RA was continuing to do things she enjoyed. In other words, the symptoms of RA cause stress and it is important that patients stay mentally positive. By doing activities a person loves, people will “feel good,” and be optimistic about life, and managing the symptoms of RA. Therefore, it is important to have the support of family and friends when dealing Rheumatoid Arthritis

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