The purpose of this paper is to explore one of the most common types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, by identifying its history, its manifestations, and the ways in which it can be prevented or treated. To begin, a noncommunicable disease is a disease that cannot be transmitted from host to host as well as “An illness that occurs when the body tissues are attacked by its own immune system” (Medicine Net, 2017). Not only is rheumatoid arthritis a noncommunicable disease, but a common and chronic one, as well. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common type of arthritis, as well as a chronic one, as “About 1.5 million people” suffer from it in the United States (Let's Dig Into Everything about RA, 2017). The term chronic, as defined by “Medicine Net’s medical dictionary,” refers to a disease that typically lasts at least “3 months or more” as it cannot be entirely counteracted by vaccines or eliminated through means of medication. This chronic autoimmune disease also causes not only pain but also “swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints” (Let's Dig Into Everything about RA, 2017).
The History of Rheumatoid Arthritis
In terms of history, the first acknowledged description of rheumatoid arthritis was written by the French physician, Dr. Augustin Jacob Landré-Beauvais, who was based in the famed Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris in 1800 (Mandal, 2012). This recognition was then followed by the coined term ‘rheumatoid arthritis’ in 1859. However, even before rheumatoid arthritis was coined with its present name, rheumatoid arthritis was found to be traced back to prehistoric times. To elucidate, references to arthritis, overall, have been found in texts that date as far back as 4500 BC, most notably in a 123 AD text that depicts similar signs and symptoms to that of rheumatoid arthritis.
The Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
“Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks the synovium,” or, otherwise known as “the lining of the membranes that surround your joints.” This results in inflammation that “thickens the synovium, which can eventually destroy the cartilage and bone within the joint,” which causes “The tendons and ligaments that hold the joint together weaken and stretch. Gradually, the joint loses its shape and alignment” (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2017).
As for the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis, the overall cause of this noncommunicable disease is “not yet fully understood.” However, doctors have found that “an abnormal response of the immune system plays a leading role in the inflammation and joint damage that occurs” and that scientific evidence regarding “genes, hormones and environmental factors” are included in this reaction. As a result, scientists persistently examine factors such as certain bacteria or viruses that “may trigger development of the disease in a person whose genes make them more likely to get it,” as well as female hormones, obesity, and the body’s overall reaction to stressful or traumatic circumstances (Arthritis Foundation).
Manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis may include “Tender, warm, swollen joints” and “Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity” as well as “Fatigue, fever and weight loss” (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2017). These manifestations are chronic and, therefore, will either remain for an extended period of time or become relentlessly recurring.
The Treatment and Prevention of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Primary prevention includes lifestyle-related behaviors that can prevent or slow the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, such as exercise and diet. Although there is “no one blood test or physical finding to confirm the diagnosis,” secondary prevention may include various blood tests or imaging tests. Finally, tertiary prevention includes medications that help diminish typical symptoms, such as “disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs,” or “DMARDs,” as well as therapy or surgery (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2017). In terms of surgery, specifically, procedures such as a synovectomy, overall tendon repair, joint fusion, or total joint replacement may be discussed as options with one’s doctor.