0
Still curious? Ask our experts.
Chat with our AI personalities
Beau
Lao
BlakeAdd your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How does rheumatoid arthritis affect the blood?
It is not unusual for Anemia or "low blood" to accompany rheumatoid arthritis. Anemia indicates a low number of red blood cells and that these cells are low in hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen through the body. A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) can occur as a result of Felty's syndrome which is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis that is also characterized by enlargement of the spleen.
If your Rheumatoid factor is lower than the previous blood test what does this mean?
This is not known as the cause of it is unknown as well as the relationship between RF and the activity of the disease.
Why rheumatoid arthritis common in females?
Testosterone hormone that is found in both men and women is responsible for it, but women later gets low into it because of pregnancy and mensuration cycle. There are evidences that people who are low in testosterone hormone are more prone to rheumatoid arthritis.So, this is the only genetic factor which is responsible for high rate of rheumatoid arthritis in women.
Can subject with rheumatoid arthritis have a low westergren sed rate?
Yes, but not while the disease is active.Elevated results can indicate anemia, kidney disease, osteomyelitis, rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, syphilis, systemic lupus, thyroid disease or other inflammatory disorders.A person who has RA does not necessarily have inflammation at all times. This can mean that while there is no inflammation, the sedimentation rate could be low.
What is the basic pathology of rheumatoid arthritis?
What are causes and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis?The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Even though infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi have long been suspected, none has been proven as the cause. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is a very active area of worldwide research. It is believed that the tendency to develop rheumatoid arthritis may be genetically inherited (hereditary). Certain genes have been identified that increase the risk for rheumatoid arthritis. It is also suspected that certain infections or factors in the environment might trigger the activation of the immune system in susceptible individuals. This misdirected immune system then attacks the body's own tissues. This leads to inflammation in the joints and sometimes in various organs of the body, such as the lungs or eyes. It is not known what triggers the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Regardless of the exact trigger, the result is an immune system that is geared up to promote inflammation in the joints and occasionally other tissues of the body. Immune cells, called lymphocytes, are activated and chemical messengers (cytokines, such astumor necrosis factor/TNF, interleukin-1/IL-1, and interleukin-6/IL-6) are expressed in the inflamed areas.Environmental factors also seem to play some role in causing rheumatoid arthritis. For example, scientists have reported thatsmoking tobacco, exposure to silica mineral, and chronic periodontal disease all increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.What are rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and signs?The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis come and go, depending on the degree of tissue inflammation. When body tissues are inflamed, the disease is active. When tissue inflammation subsides, the disease is inactive (in remission). Remissions can occur spontaneously or with treatment and can last weeks, months, or years. During remissions, symptoms of the disease disappear, and people generally feel well. When the disease becomes active again (relapse), symptoms return. The return of disease activity and symptoms is called a flare. The course of rheumatoid arthritis varies among affected individuals, and periods of flares and remissions are typical. When the disease is active, symptoms can include fatigue, loss of energy,lack of appetite, low-grade fever, muscle and joint aches, and stiffness. Muscle and joint stiffness are usually most notable in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Arthritis is common during disease flares. Also during flares, joints frequently become red, swollen, painful, and tender. This occurs because the lining tissue of the joint (synovium) becomes inflamed, resulting in the production of excessive joint fluid (synovial fluid). The synovium also thickens with inflammation (synovitis).Rheumatoid arthritis usually inflames multiple joints in a symmetrical pattern (both sides of the body affected). Early symptoms may be subtle. The small joints of both the hands and wrists are often involved. Symptoms in the hands with rheumatoid arthritis include difficulty with simple tasks of daily living, such as turning door knobs and opening jars. The small joints of the feet are also commonly involved, which can lead to painful walking, especially in the morning after arising from bed. Occasionally, only one joint is inflamed. When only one joint is involved, the arthritis can mimic the joint inflammation caused by other forms of arthritis, such as gout or joint infection. Chronic inflammation can cause damage to body tissues, including cartilage and bone. This leads to a loss of cartilage and erosion and weakness of the bones as well as the muscles, resulting in joint deformity, destruction, and loss of function. Rarely, rheumatoid arthritis can even affect the joint that is responsible for the tightening of our vocal cords to change the tone of our voice, the cricoarytenoid joint. When this joint is inflamed, it can cause hoarseness of the voice. Symptoms in children with rheumatoid arthritis include limping, irritability, crying, and poor appetite.
