Health Awareness Understanding “The Other Arthritis” @ Recognizing And Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis Early Ils Essential (NAPSA)—When most of us think of arthritis, we think of its most common form, osteoarthritis (OA), in which the body’s joints deteriorate as we get older; but what about that “other arthritis”— rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? RA is the second most-common form of arthritis, behind OA. RA is a systemic autoimmune disease while OA results from aging as well as wear andtearof joints. RA is a chronic disorder that has no cure andis associated with significant personal, social and economic costs. In RA, the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissue, particularly tissue that lines and cushions joints. As a result, this disease causes painful swelling in the joints ultimately leading to significant damage to the joints. RA is a complicated disease and the progression is variable. Because it can be so destructive to the joints, as well as very painful, it is important to get an early diagnosis. Someone who suspects he or she has symptoms of RA mayfirst talk to his or her primary care physician. Although a primary care physician may diagnose and treat the disease, it is importantto talk toa rheumatologist, a physician whois specially trained to care for people with arthritis. A primary care physician can provide a referral to a rheumatologist. Physicians who are diagnosing a patient with arthri- tis-like symptomswill look for many signs of RA, includingthe following: *People with RA have joints that are tender, warm, and swol- len. This occurs in a “symmetrical” pattern, meaning that if the left knee is affected, the right knee is usually also affected. *RA often affects the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand, but neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, and feet also may be affected. Other symptomsinclude pain or stiffness lasting for more than 380 minutes in the morning or after long rest and lack ofactivity. * Patients with RA also may experience fatigue, an occasionalfever, or a general senseof not feeling well. If you or a family member is experiencing any of these symp- toms, it is important to discuss them with a physician right away. The long-term outlook for people with RA can be poor. In fact, within the first two years, up to 70 percent of people with RA have X-ray evidence of joint destruction. The average life expectancy of a person with RA maybe shortened by three to seven years, and patients with severe RA maydie 10 to 15 years earlier than expected. Fortunately, the past few years have seen remarkable advances in medical therapy for RA, not just in relieving its symptoms but also in slowing the progression of the disease, which meansthe destructive breakdownoftissue it causes, something that was not possible even just a few years ago. New medications target and block the inflammatory process that is associated with RA. These new drugsreduceinflammation and slow the progression of bone and joint erosion. In addition, since irreversible damage can occurin the early years of RA, healthcare professionals are increasingly seeking early identification and aggressive treatment of the disease with the appropriate therapies in an effort to actually delay disease progression rather than simply relieve symptoms. Wheneffective treatments for RA are started early, symptoms can be relieved sooner, the worsening joint destruction slowed, and early disability may be avoided. For this reason, getting an early and correct diagnosis may be your best chance of ensuring your health and happiness in the years to come. To learn more about RA and new medications available to treatit, visit www.ra.com or www.abbott.com.
