rheumatic diseases

Bath at night is not good for health, would be much better if we shower in the afternoon, because if we shower at night will lead to rheumatic diseases, rheumatic diseases that can make us very ill.

Rheumatic diseases or medical language is called rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic joint inflammation caused by autoimmune disorders.

Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system that functions as a defense against intruders such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, mistakenly attacks the body's own cells and tissues. In addition to arthritis, there are many other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. On rheumatic diseases, the immune system fails to distinguish itself with a foreign body tissue, so the body attacks its own tissues, particularly the synovial tissue is a thin membrane that lines the joints. The result can lead to joint swelling, broken, pain, inflammation, loss of function and even disability.

Arthritis can attack almost any joint, but the most frequently attacked are the joints in the wrists, knuckles, knees and ankles feet. Other joints that may be attacked, including the joints in the spine, hip, neck, shoulders, jaw and even the very small joints between the bones in the inner ear. Arthritis can also affect organs like the heart, blood vessels, skin, and lungs. Symmetrical arthritis usually attacks the same joint attack on both sides of the body, in contrast to osteoarthritis is usually limited to one joint.

Symptom

Arthritis symptoms vary in each person. The most common symptoms are:

Joint stiffness in the morning. Stiffness lasted for at least an hour. (In contrast to the stiffness of osteoarthritis usually disappears within half an hour.)

Swelling and joint pain. Joint swelling and pain usually feels warm and soft to the touch. The pain usually occurs in joints on both right and left sides (symmetrical) but the severity may differ, depending on which side is more often used.

Nodules (lumps). In about 20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of small blood vessels can cause nodules, or lumps under the skin of a green pea-sized or slightly larger and often located near the joints. Nodules can form along the course of the disease.

Fluid buildup. Fluid may accumulate, especially in the ankle. In some cases, the joint sac behind the knee accumulates fluid and forms what is known as a Baker cyst. This cyst feels like a tumor and sometimes extends down into the back of the calf and cause pain. However, Baker's cysts can also develop in people who do not have arthritis.

Flu-like symptoms. Fatigue, weight loss, and fever may accompany early rheumatoid disease. Some people feel like a cold or flu symptoms. The difference, arthritic symptoms can last for years.

Although arthritis is a chronic and systemic disease, symptoms of its coming and going. There were times when the joints become more inflamed and painful, called flares or flare. These flares can occur suddenly for no apparent reason, followed by periods of remission or with minimal inflammation. In the first few years, arthritis can cause damage and permanent disability in the joints.

Cause

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis as yet unknown, but allegedly triggered by a combination of factors, including genetic susceptibility, viral infection or hormonal changes. Women are more likely to develop arthritis than men. In women who are affected by arthritis, pregnancy and breast-feeding may exacerbate the condition.

Diagnosis

The doctor will diagnose rheumatoid arthritis by studying the symptoms, physical examination and diagnostic tests requested. Blood tests are usually required to check the levels of RF. The majority of rheumatic patients in their bodies to form an antibody called RF (rheumatoid factor). These factors determine the aggressiveness / malignancy of the disease. You called rheumatism when exposed to your blood test results indicate the presence of RF. However, a negative RF does not always mean you are free to arthritis, especially in the early stages of disease. Approximately 20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed no positive RF results.

X-ray examination to see if your joints are damaged. However, X-rays often show a change in the early stages of arthritis. Diagnosis of arthritis often requires time and expertise because the symptoms can be similar to other types of arthritis. If your doctor suspects arthritis affected, you will be referred to a rheumatologic the doctor who specializes in arthritis.

Treatment

Currently there is no medicine that can cure rheumatism. However, medical science has advanced rapidly in the last 20 years so that new drugs are now a great help to limit joint damage and manage the symptoms. With proper treatment, many patients with rheumatoid arthritis that can lead a normal and active life.