ആമവാതം ആദ്യ ലക്ഷണങ്ങൾ പരിഹാരം /Dr, Mujeeb Rahman MBBS MD DM (Rheumatology)
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What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, but most often affects the small joints of the hands, feet, wrists, and ankles. RA can also cause inflammation in other organs, such as the lungs, heart, and eyes.

Causes of RA

The exact cause of RA is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with certain genes are more likely to develop RA, but the disease is not triggered by a single gene. Environmental factors that may trigger RA include smoking, infections, and exposure to certain chemicals.

Symptoms of RA

The most common symptoms of RA include:

Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
Fatigue
Fever
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
RA symptoms can come and go in flares. During a flare, symptoms may be severe and last for several weeks or months. Between flares, symptoms may improve or disappear completely.

Foods for RA

There is no onesizefitsall diet for RA. However, there are some foods that may help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. These foods include:

Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel
Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Beans and legumes
Nuts and seeds
Olive oil
It is also important to avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of red meat and saturated fat.

Treatment for RA

There is no cure for RA, but there are treatments that can help to manage the disease and improve symptoms. Treatment options include:

Medications: There are a variety of medications available to treat RA, including diseasemodifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and corticosteroids. DMARDs are the firstline treatment for RA and work to slow the progression of the disease. Biologics and corticosteroids are more powerful drugs that are used to treat severe cases of RA.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve joint function and reduce stiffness.
Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help you to learn how to manage your daily activities with RA.
Surgery: Surgery may be an option for people with severe RA damage.
If you have RA, it is important to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.