Posts Tagged ‘Immune System’

Getting to Know Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptom

Saturday, November 28th, 2009
Kaye Fretz Said:

Are you concerned about identifying a rheumatoid arthritis symptom? Maybe you should be. Rheumatoid arthritis is after all, a common condition that affects the joints. There are other kinds of arthritis. This one in particular affects the lining of the joints. In time the disease may destroy the joint tissues and seriously hamper movement. What symptoms of the disease should you watch out for?

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Common sense will tell you that the most obvious symptoms will be felt and seen in the joints. Swelling in varying degrees will be obvious. This symptom is typically accompanied by stiffness and pain especially when the joints are moved or touched. All joints from the fingers to the shoulders may be visited by this condition. In very rare cases, organs may be affected too.

The disease has other symptoms beyond joint swelling. Some who have it may develop nodules or differently sized bumps in various areas of the body. Many individuals also experience symptoms similar to flu. They may suffer from fever, fatigue, weight loss and a lack of appetite.

Each particular rheumatoid arthritis symptom develops slowly. Symptoms may also come and disappear. When one suffers from symptoms, this is typically known as a flare up episode. The symptoms may then subside only to reappear again at another time. When the symptoms are present, movement becomes painful. Thorough damage of the joints can be permanently disabling.

Disease Causes

Experts have not fully determined the causes of rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms however may develop in you if you are genetically predisposed to the disease. There is also some indication that lifestyle factors such as smoking may contribute to the condition. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly moves against the tissues of the joint linings. Those who are at a higher risk of getting the disease are people over 40.

Solutions to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Since the disease causes are not fully understood, there is no current cure for the condition. Doctors however still recommend some form of treatment. Certain medications can help reduce the symptoms, slow down damage and stop total disability. Some possible medications include NSAIDs, DMARDs, steroids and immunosuppresants. In some cases, the disease can be so severe that surgery is required.

Aside from medical treatment, one may also be advised to change some habits. A healthy diet is often a must. This is usually paired with regular exercise. You may have to ask your doctor though for specific food and exercises that you may safely eat and use. Smoking, drinking and too much stress are to be avoided. In other words, the best way to personally deal with the condition is to live a clean, healthy and calm life.

A rheumatoid arthritis symptom is something to worry about. This doesn’t mean though that you can forget about leading a normal life. Your world doesn’t have to end because of rheumatoid arthritis. As long as you follow your doctor’s advice, you can deal with your condition effectively.

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Psoriatic Arthritis – What is It?

Thursday, November 26th, 2009
jackb son Said:

What is psoriatic arthritis? Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects 2% of the population. About 10% of those who have psoriasis may eventually develop an arthritis which is, as part of the course of the psoriatic skin condition, called psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic destructive arthritic condition, which, if left untreated, may eventually lead to joint destruction. Psoriatic arthritis is thought to be an autoimmune process, in which the body mounts an immunogenic response against self, which results in widespread inflammation and destruction.

What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis? Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joints in the body, with predilection for larger joints in arms and feet and also smaller joints in the hand.

Symptom

Are your aches and pains just a natural part of growing older, or are they a sign there is something more serious wrong with your body? While some forms of arthritis are just the result of the aging process, some forms can wreak havoc on more than just the joints. Other forms actually result from the body’s immune system turning on itself. How can you tell if your joint pain is natural aging or if something else is wrong? Knowing the symptoms of different forms of arthritis can help you know if a pain reliever is all you need, or if your specific arthritis symptom is a sign there is more wrong than just joint pain.

The most common form of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the form of arthritis generally associated with growing older. This condition results from the natural aging process in which the cartilage, a rubbery substance that protects the joints, begins to wear down. The arthritis symptom most often associated with this form of the disease is joint pain. This joint pain can also be accompanied by fever and swelling in the affected joints as well as stiffness in the morning or after times of inactivity.

Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment

Doctors currently believe that psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune function of the body. That means that the body actually turns against itself and uses its immune system to fight itself. This leads to both inflammation of and damage to the joints. Due to the seriousness of this condition, people need to inform themselves about the symptoms related to it and look out for them.

One of the first damaging effects that psoriatic arthritis has on the body is joint impairment, especially to the larger joints of the body such as those in the feet and arms. This does not mean that smaller joints in the hands, for example, will not be affected. Once the joints of the fingers begin to be effected and the fingers swell up, the condition is almost certainly psoriatic arthritis. The disease can also affect the fingernails, thickening and discoloring them.

The above mentioned symptoms of psoriatic arthritis tend to come and go, having times when they flare up and are especially bad followed by periods of light to moderate symptoms. In some rare cases, the spine is also affected by psoriatic arthritis. The pain and discomfort associated with this disease can be anywhere from mild to chronic.

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Learning What Arthritis Is Can Teach Us If We Have It

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009
Jason Hobbs Said:

Has one ever speculated if he had some illness? Current day’s technological era has massive information regarding various health issues that can be useful and somewhat scary also.

Through the informative medium of newspaper journals, movies, television serials, and certain internet websites loads of information on countless illnesses that severely wreaks the humans can be found out by an individual. Subsequent to the understanding of several diseases, an individual more often than not questions oneself whether I have it? This holds especially true while searching for the most suspicious and dreadful reason for what causes arthritis?

From the approval of the phrase “ignorance breeds fear”, it has stressed many to get well-informed about certain disease that permits to finely speculate the impacts of the disease. On the other hand, this technique also ensures every individual to become more meditative for asking himself the question, “Do I suffer from this?” Meticulously, this trend can be understood with evaluating the query of “what causes arthritis”.

At The Junction Of The Joints:

The illustration of certain aged citizen pertaining to some joint illness comes in the mind immediately after hearing the term “arthritis”. Although, scientifically it is more crucial to find out what causes arthritis? A majority of arthritis produces pains and swelling of the joints. Joints are nothing but the connection points of two bones. Certain instances of bone joints are elbow and knee joints.

With the pass of time, an inflamed joint can transform into extremely damaged and irreparable condition. Certain defined kinds of arthritis are also capable of affecting the eyes or heart. In the broad list of arthritis, certain kinds of arthritis solely affect children, or are concerned to an individual’s immune system or ageing. Hence, it is essential to distinctively speculate the roots of what causes arthritis?

It is advised for every individual to detect himself for the illness after speculating what causes arthritis. This particular method makes an individual believe that pain is his constant colleague, because without soreness it is impossible to foresee any indicating marks, which are usually important while diagnosing a specific ailment or deficiencies.

An arthritic patient is expected to feel continuous inflammation, weight reduction, respiratory problems, redness, soreness, and heat indicating a severe form of arthritis. However, feeling severe arthritis soreness and uneasiness does not simply indicate that there are no curing alternatives.

Forms of Arthritis:

A patient diagnosed with arthritis may be of two major kinds rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. The arthritis that mainly occurs to old aged persons on the fingers, knees, and hips is known as osteoarthritis. Simultaneously, weakening of the immune system that causes arthritis is known as rheumatoid arthritis. It makes the sufferer weak with fever.

Subsequent to perfectly evaluating what causes arthritis, an individual needs to immediately consult a doctor, if he thinks that there is an indication of the illness. The doctor is the lone person who is capable enough to detect what causes arthritis and its curing methods.

An arthritic patient needs to thoroughly illustrate the range of soreness and its core. The doctor may suggest X-Rays and blood screenings to detect the type of arthritis and the reason what causes arthritis.

After the proper diagnosis the doctor will then confer about several finest cure alternatives available. The doctor is also bound to recommend certain drugs that may cure the immobility features, twinges and pain.

Suppose the patient does not get any relief with these medications, at such time other non-surgical curing techniques such as resting the inflamed joints, indulging in certain slight physical activities, resting the inflamed region with an ice packet, and taking a bath in lukewarm water will be suggested.

Further, if still no relief is obtained by these methods and drugs then it is an alarming condition and the doctor needs to be contacted instantly. At that point of time the doctor may suggest for a surgery with providing thorough details by illustrating the crucial question what causes arthritis and why there is a need of surgery.

Hence, it is firmly advised to detect confidentially the indications or occurrences of the disease immediately after discovering the fact of what causes arthritis. By this way, it will be easy to take appropriate help at the right time in order to live an arthritis free life.

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About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Saturday, November 21st, 2009
Elizabeth Radisson Said:

Many people are unaware that arthritis is a term used to cover over 200 different diseases that involve symptoms of pain and inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is among the most common and potentially disabling forms of arthritis.

This article addresses some of the basic facts about rheumatoid arthritis, to help you better understand the symptoms and causes of this disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is not restricted to any particular area of the body. Most joints can be affected by the disease, in addition to other areas, such as the blood, the heart, and the lungs.

Roughly 2.1 million Americans, or about one percent of all American adults, suffer with rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis is characterized by an inflammation of the joint lining, which causes the joint to be stiff and painful. The joint area may also swell, feel warm to the touch, and the skin may have a red appearance.

With rheumatoid arthritis, this inflammation can also affect salivary glands, tear ducts, and the linings of the heart and lungs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is often a life-long condition, and over the years, the disease may change in severity, changing from pain-free periods, to those of intense suffering, often abruptly and without warning.

Rheumatoid arthritis is most often first diagnosed in patients between the ages of 20 and 50. As mentioned above, the most obvious symptoms include a long-lasting joint pain and swelling, and a red and tender joint area. One distinction between arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is where the disease presents. With arthritis, in the beginning a single joint may be affected, but with rheumatoid arthritis, often both elbows, or both knees, or other groups of joints, are affected at the same time.

Rheumatoid arthritis is in the group of auto-immune diseases. With these diseases, the body immune system is actually creating the problem. In some cases, the immune system has malfunctioned, and mistaken healthy tissue as invading tissue. When this occurs, the body attempts to destroy the joint tissue, which causes the pain and other symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

The exact cause of this malfunction has yet to be discovered, but many scientists believe that heredity and genetics play an important role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

When diagnosing the disease, doctors often employ a blood test which identifies the presence of the rheumatoid factor–an antibody that is often an indicator that the patient does in fact have rheumatoid arthritis. Because between 70 and 90 percent of those with rheumatoid arthritis have this antibody in their blood, it provides a fairly accurate confirmation of the disease in those with the other typical symptoms.

X-rays may also be ordered by doctors to identify the amount of joint tissue that has been affected by the disease.

If you have been experiencing symptoms such as those associated with rheumatoid arthritis for longer than two weeks, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible for further assessment. Because of the degenerative nature of the disease, the sooner it is diagnosed, the better potential outcomes.

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Arthritis Treatments

Thursday, November 5th, 2009
Ibrahim Said:

Arthritis Treatment Overview

We use this title because not all arthritis treatment is, shall we say, enjoyable. If you suffer from the painful effects of this debilitating condition though, very little can seem worse. The pain is often so severe that the simplest movements can cause anguish and even tears. But, there are treatments to help arthritis. Can they cure it? That is still to be seen, but many have shown to be effective in fighting off the pain. First, there are many different types of arthritis. The causes of each will help to determine the treatment. But, here, we will talk mainly of the treatment options available and then those that are quite possibly the best at treating rheumatoid arthritis.

The symptoms of any arthritis start with pain. There is pain in the joints in a way that limits the amount of movement a person has. Now, remember, as well, that arthritis can strike any individual, not necessarily just older people. So, if a child stops using a limb complaining of pain, a doctor should be seen. On top of this, if symptoms of pain are accompanied with fever a doctor should be seen immediately as this can be a sign of a deadlier arthritis known as septic arthritis. In all cases, arthritis is an inflammation in the joints. The problem in rheumatoid arthritis is that, in trying to deal with the inflammation, the immune system ends up attacking the cartilage in the joints. The end result is pain and lessened use of the effected joint.

In order to stop this process, arthritis treatments can be anything from surgery to medications. There are some good notes about medications, but in the end, they can not resolve the entire problem, only mask the pain for a while. Surgery is invasive and costly. Physical treatment is available and has shown good progress in helping some patients. There are also herbal remedies that have shown good signs of helping as well. There is one product that we would like to mention in a little more detail. What is so unique about this product, though, is that it is a natural treatment that can be taken.

In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in particular, collagen type II can be just as good as a cure to some individuals. This natural substance is actually a main component of cartilage itself. But, no injections are needed because this is an oral treatment. You will take a pill, in other words. There are many reasons why this medication works including the fact that it has an absorption rate of 70 to 90 percent. This means more of it is used and fewer doses are needed. There are other reasons why it works so well.

For instance, the immune system has a component of cells in the intestine called the GALT. This is where proteins are recognized as food or “friend” and therefore not treated as allergies or sensitivities by the digestive system. When collagen type II is ingested, the GALT recognizes this amino acid as a friendly protein. This action switches off the immune system’s attack on collagen elsewhere in the body as in arthritic joints. Instead of the immune system fighting the inflammation and destroying the remaining good material, the Galt simply tells it to stop. And, probably the most important aspect of this natural arthritis treatment is that it can also help to rebuild the damaged and destroyed cartilage. The combination of these two factors can help to restore a normal way of life.

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Septic Arthritis – a Mini Encyclopedia

Thursday, November 5th, 2009
Bertil Hjert Said:

Septic Arthritis is also known as infections arthritis or pyogenic arthritis. This disease is not known to most people across the globe. However, one must be aware of this disease, its symptoms, causes and treatment as it is a serious infections that can hit the joints. It can result into severe pain, chills, swelling and inflammation in one or more joints. In severe cases this can also result in loss of function in the affected joints.

In medical terms, septic arthritis has also been considered as a medical emergency. This is because it tends to cause severe damage to the bones and cartilages. It is also capable of resulting in to a septic shock. This is a fatal condition!

If you are already shocked by now, don’t panic. Just read on and learn more about this deadly disease in order to provide timely medical assistance and saving yourself or your loved ones from the hazards of this fatal disease.

A) People vulnerable to this disease

This type of arthritis can strike people of any age group; even infants can suffer from this disease. When it comes to adults, this disease mainly affects the joints that bear weight such as the knee. In children, the disease mainly attacked the hips, knees and shoulders. When it comes to genre that’s at maximum risk to get affected from this disease, male homosexuals and women are the main targets.

B) Causes of Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis can majorly affect a person when certain type of infections organisms such as a bacteria reaches a joint. This bacteria can easily get in to a joint via the blood stream or surgery. An injection or injury can also be a main cause of this type of infection.

If this type of arthritis has affected a baby or young child, then it can be because of hemophilus influenza, staphylococci and gram negative bacilli.

People who use intravenous drugs or with diseases that have potential for weakening the immune system such as HIV are also vulnerable to septic arthritis.

C) Symptoms of Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is usually characterized by swelling in the joint, severe or acute pain in the affected area, fever and chills. When this arthritis affects the hip, you may experience pain in the groin area. The pain becomes worse and the patient is unable to walk. The joint is sore to touch. Newborns or infants experience painful movement of the limb and cries when the diaper is changed or gets fever. Young children and adults tend to experience intense joint pain, low-grade fever, joint swelling, joint redness and inability to move the limb with the infected joint. Chills may also occur but in rare cases.

D) Treatment options for Septic Arthritis

The disease can be treated effectively when diagnosed quickly. Antibiotics are the best options to treat this disease. These are given via a vein to kill the bacteria quickly. The remaining course is taken orally.

Surgical drainage is also required under cases where the doctor feels it necessary to drain the fluid.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis : is it a Debilitating Disease?

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
Paul Courtney Said:

Rheumatoid Arthritis : Is It A Debilitating Disease?

Like other degenerative diseases, rheumatoid arthritis is on the increase, in fact currently this disease affects about one percent of the population of the United states and the statistics show that this figure is growing fast. Therefore it is important that an understanding of what rheumatoid arthritis is and what the signs are become well known throughout society so that sufferers can get an early diagnosis and relevant lifestyle changes be implemented before the symptoms become to serious.

If you are unlucky and the doctor informs you that you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, the news can be quite devastating. However, understanding this disease is one way that you could come to terms with it, know what to expect when and work out a plan of action to control it in the best manner you can.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Unfortunately, the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis has not yet been identified; but it is known that when this happens, the body’s immune system suddenly turns against itself destroying the tissues found in and around the joints. This is why the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis includes extreme pain at the joints (this normally occurs in pairs, for example – both elbows, both knees, etc). It is also thought that the sufferer’s genetics play an important role in the development of this disease. (Research is currently underway in this area of interest)

The doctor’s diagnosis is done by identifying the ‘rheumatoid factor’ in the patient’s blood, which is actually an antibody that indicates the presence of this debilitating disease. The association of the presence of this antibody and the typical symptoms such as pain, inflammation of the joints and movement limitation usually confirms the diagnosis. X-ray of the affected joints is also used to further confirm the existence of the disease.

This is not a disease to trifle with it is important to get an early diagnosis so that you can have it treated. Rheumatoid arthritis cant progress fast attacking not only the joints but also the more vital organs in the body – such as (the lining of) the heart, lungs and kidneys. This disease can also strike in the tear ducts and the salivary glands. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any time usually between the ages of 20 to the late 50’s and unfortunately when it strikes it is very hard to get rid of.

So, if you get it, it is not the end of the world. there are medications, proper exercise and alternative treatments all designed to make the disease more manageable and your revised lifestyle pleasant. Yet another challenge on life’s journey. Use the power of positive thinking, look at all the marvelous blessings you have and will experience and this disease is only another event to be conquered.

Vigilance is required particularly in relation to your diet and exercise regimes as this is the foundation of good health and a healthy immune system that will help to keep other common diseases at bay allowing your body to cope with the stresses and strains of rheumatoid arthritis.

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DOWN WITH FLUORIDE! arthritis, neurotoxin, IQ reducer

Monday, September 21st, 2009
PaulChekLive Said:

This is one heck of a serious topic and Underground Wellness gives it a go. If you drink tap water think again. If you have children think even harder about the known neurotoxic effects of one of the aluminium industries waste / externalities. Arent teeth maintained by a healthy diet and functioning immune system?? If so then why would ingesting a rather high on the periodic table element trump diet and lifestyle?? This information is to inform you on nutrition matters. It is not intended to …

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The Treatments Available For Psoriatic Arthritis

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009
Greg Marsh Said:

If you suffer from psoriasis, then you are at risk for a condition called psoriatic arthritis. Arthritis is a term that is used to describe many conditions in which the joints in the body do not function as they should because of the body’s immune system literally attacking that of the tissues in the joint. Although this condition is one that is specific to those that suffer from psoriasis, others can experience arthritic conditions as well. The good news is that there is help out there for those that do have to deal with the swelling and pain of arthritis.

Pain, Pain, Go Away

For those that experience any form of arthritis, including that of psoriatic arthritis, the hardest part of the condition is that of facing the pain. As mentioned, your body’s white blood cells are attacking your joint’s tissue which causes a build up of proteins to happen in those areas. When those proteins build up, pain is heightened any time that you try to move that joint. You may actually feel the pain come on more intensely after you have been sleeping or have been sitting still for a while. In any case, the pain is very real and is something that needs to be addressed.

Even more so, without any type of treatment, conditions of psoriatic arthritis, which only occurs in individuals that have psoriasis, will only worsen. If you do not get the help you need, the joints that are being attacked can actually become deformed, swollen and eventually may no longer be able to be used. There is help out there, though.

Treatment Options To Consider

Those that are experiencing pain in their joints need to work with their doctor to determine the best medications to help relieve the pain that they are feeling. The medications will work in a certain way. First, you will take medications that will stop the progress of the condition, something that is important for maintaining the quality of the joint for later life. In addition, the treatment options that you have will be employed to stop the pain that you are feeling.

There are additional treatments that can be helpful as well. Some find help from arthritic crèmes and ointments. Exercise plays an important role in the health and well being of the individual as well as stringing the joints and improving range of motion are quite important. Heat can help at times as well. Massage has been effective at reducing the amount of pain your experience as well.

As you can see, there is help available to those that are suffering from psoriatic arthritis. Although the condition is not as debilitating as that of other forms of arthritis, it is still one that can range from mild to severe in pain and discomfort. Without the help of a doctor, you will not stop but encourage the arthritis to continue. Instead, working with your doctor can be the best route to getting the treatment that you need for this condition.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis – Explained In Simple Terms

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
Scott Goodman Said:

The doctor informs you that you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and you are devastated by the news. Yes, this could be indeed some very bad news, but it could always be worse. Understanding this disease is one way that you could come to terms with it, know what to expect when and work out a plan of action to control it in the best manner you can.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

This is a disease that affects about one percent of USA’s population and the statistics show that this figure is growing fast. The exact reason for rheumatoid arthritis is not yet identified; but it well known that when this happens, the body’s immune system all of a sudden turns against itself – articularly the tissues found at the joints. This is why the symptoms of this disease include extreme pain at the joints (usually in pairs, for example – both elbows, both knees, etc). It is believed that genetics also play a very important role here.

The diagnosis is done by identifying the rheumatoid factor which is actually an antibody that indicates the presence of this dreadful disease. The presence of this antibody (in the blood) as well as the typical symptoms such as pain, inflammation and movement limitation can confirm the diagnosis. An X-ray of the affected joints can further confirm the presence of the disease.

It is important to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis as early as possible so that you can have it treated since it progresses fast and it attacks not only the joints but also the more vital organs in the body – such as (the lining of) the heart, lungs and kidneys. The other places where this disease can strike are the tear ducts and the salivary glands. The average age when this disease attacks can be anything from early 20s to late 50s; once you get it, it is very hard if not impossible to get rid of it.

However, you can still make the best of it with proper medication, exercise and alternative medication that could open for you new ways to live your life to the full even if you are suffering from a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Beware that rheumatoid arthritis has no immediate cure and you might have to live with this disease until death. However, this is should not scare you too much. If you take care that you have the right rheumatoid arthritis medication, the right type of life, you could still be in charge of your life and not let a stroke of bad luck go against your capability to enjoy other blessings that have been showered upon you.

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