Articular rheumatism diseases are diseases that greatly reduce the quality of life because they negatively affect people's mobility. Rheumatoid Arthritis, on the other hand, is the most common inflammatory joint rheumatism, one of these diseases. Rheumatology Specialist from Near East University Hospital, Department of Internal Diseases. Hülya Dede Vahedi shared important information about Rheumatoid Arthritis, a chronic disease that can last a lifetime. Dr. Hülya Vahedi says that Rheumatoid Arthritis, a lifelong disease, is mostly seen in women and between the ages of 25 and 55.
“The probability of rheumatoid arthritis in first-degree relatives of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis is ten times higher than normal,” said Specialist. Dr. Hülya Dede Vahedi said, “HLA-DRB1 gene is the most responsible gene in this disease. Some environmental factors play a role in revealing the disease in people with genetic predisposition. Among environmental factors, it is known that smoking and the bacteria named Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is responsible for chronic gingivitis in the mouth, play a role in the emergence of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Most common in women
Stating that the frequency of rheumatoid arthritis is approximately 0,5% to 1%, Dr. Dr. Hülya Vahedi stated that this disease is most common in women. Stating that rheumatoid arthritis most commonly starts between the ages of 25 and 55, Dr. Dr. Vahedi said that the symptoms of the disease are mainly seen in the joints and tendons around the joints. Since rheumatoid arthritis is also a systemic disease, symptoms can be seen in subcutaneous nodules, lungs and heart, and some other organs outside the joints.
Giving information about the symptoms of the disease, Dr. Dr. Hülya Dede Vahedi said that joint swelling and morning stiffness lasting longer than an hour are important symptoms. Stating that the disease typically starts as swelling and stiffness in the small joints of the hands and feet, wrists and ankles, Dr. Dr. Vahedi also stated that over time, stiffness is seen in the elbows, shoulders, knees and hip joints. exp. Dr. Hülya Dede Vahedi continued her words as follows: “New joint involvements occur within months. Symmetrical involvement is an important finding. More than five joints are involved in typical rheumatoid arthritis patients. Morning pain and night pain are more common. As you move, there is a decrease in joint pain and stiffness in the mornings. Symmetrical involvement is an important finding.”
Can be seen in more than one joint
Saying that in some cases, Rheumatoid Arthritis can develop very quickly, Dr. Dr. Hülya Dede Vahedi stated that the disease causes pain, swelling and stiffness in all joints. Stating that even rheumatoid arthritis patients may have so much pain and stiffness that they cannot get out of bed, Uzm. Dr. Vahedi stated that the disease can occur in a single joint or in several joints. Stating that rheumatoid arthritis is an initial form called palindromic, Dr. Dr. Vahedi noted that in such onsets, there is an acute swelling in a single joint and it can heal completely in about three days. He said that these attacks can be repeated in another joint months later.
Saying that there is also a type of the disease that starts at an advanced age, Uzm. Dr. Vahedi stated that in this case, the disease started with severe morning and night stiffness in the shoulders and hips. exp. Dr. Vahedi warned that Rheumatoid Arthritis can be confused with another disease called Polymyalgia Rheumatica from time to time.
Starting treatment on time can prevent permanent damage
Stating that the diagnosis and treatment of people with rheumatoid arthritis may be delayed, deformations such as swan neck deformity, buttonhole deformity and ulnardeviation can be seen in the hands, Uzm. Dr. Vahedi said that the diagnosis of the disease can be made mainly by the complaints and examination findings of the patients. exp. Dr. Vahedi stated that the follow-up of the patients and some laboratory and radiological findings can help in making the diagnosis. exp. Dr. Hülya Dede Vahedi “For a definitive diagnosis, other possible diseases should be excluded. Corticosteroids and basic drugs that change the course of the disease are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is important that patients do exercises that strengthen their joints and muscles, along with drug treatments.
Be the first to comment