Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathophysiology

Ethics and animal experimentation All handling procedures and experiments involving the animal were approved by the Committee for the Ethical Use of Animals in Research of the State Bahia University (no. 2021.005.0018150-89). The procedures involving the animal were carried out in accordance with the ethical and biosafety guidelines. Clinical evaluation An eight-year-old male domestic cat of an undefined breed was admitted on April 10, 2021, with respiratory syndrome at a veterinary clinic in Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil. Data regarding respiratory aspects, temperature, heartbeat, weight, and other clinical aspects were kept during anamnesis. In addition, laboratory analyses were required due to the clinical condition of the animal. Blood cell count, biochemical and serological analysis The blood sample was obtained by the jugular venous puncture and collected in test tubes with or without ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) at 2% (w/v), for hematological and biochemical/serological ana...

Gout occurs when the body produces too much uric acid. This acid is a byproduct of when the body breaks down purines found in foods. This excess uric acid forms crystals, which the body can deposit in all tissues. However, the crystals mainly build up in and around the joints, causing irritation, inflammation, and discomfort. The crystals can also form growths around affected joints, known as tophi. Home remedies for gout include: 1. Drinking plenty of water When a person has gout, they can experience significant swelling and inflammation. One of the ways to reduce symptoms is by drinking more water. Increasing fluid consumption can kick-start a person's kidneys to release excess fluid, reducing swelling in a person with gout. Water is best. However, other clear fluids, such as broths and herbal teas, are also good choices. People should avoid alcohol and sodas, which are high in purines. However, anyone with congestive heart failure or kidney disease should talk with their docto...

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in a person's joints. The condition is chronic and progressive and can be disabling. Symptoms develop over time, with early signs including fatigue, joint tenderness, and pain. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 1.5 million people in the United States have RA. Biological females are three times more likely than biological males to develop RA. This article looks at the early signs that a person might have RA. It also discusses later stage symptoms and when to speak with a doctor. If a person has an autoimmune disease, such as RA, their immune system mistakes the body's cells for foreign invading cells. Their immune system then releases inflammatory chemicals to attack them. If someone has RA, their immune system attacks the tissue called synovium. This tissue lines the joints and produces fluid that helps them move smoothly. RA most commonly affects the joints in the hands, wrist...

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes painful swelling in various joints of the body, including the toes and the other joints of the feet. There is no cure for RA, but treatments can help prevent and slow damage. RA can affect any joint in the body, but about 20% of people with the disease first notice symptoms in their toes, feet, and ankles. RA is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease, and its symptoms result from the immune system overreacting to and mistakenly attacking parts of the body. When a person has RA, the overreactive immune system attacks tissues such as ligaments and bones. It can also damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs, including the lungs and heart. By damaging bones and soft tissues, this chronic disease causes pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion in the joints. Although it can affect any of the joints in the body, it most often affects smaller joints, such as those of the feet. RA is a chronic disease, meaning that it is a long l...

People with COPD can sometimes experience a flare-up of symptoms, which is called an exacerbation. Infections are often responsible for exacerbations, but there is not always a specific cause. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for chronic lung diseases that make it difficult to exhale. It is relatively common and affects more than 16 million people in the United States, equating to 6.6% of the adult population. Exacerbations can cause serious symptoms from which it can take weeks to recover. Although many people with COPD experience exacerbations, it is critical to prevent them whenever possible. Read more to learn about acute exacerbations of COPD, including their symptoms and how to prevent them. An acute exacerbation of COPD is a sudden worsening of symptoms that lasts for several days. During this time, the person will have more difficulty breathing and may produce more sputum — a combination of mucus and other lung fluid — than usual. Exacerbations a...

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Reiki and hand massage significantly reduced pain and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to study findings published in Explore .  Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial that examined the effects of Reiki and massage on pain and fatigue in patients with RA. Patients with RA who received follow-up care in a physical therapy and rheumatology clinic between July 2020 and December 2021 were included in the study. A total of 105 participants were enrolled in the study. They were randomized into 3 groups: Reiki (n=35), hand massage (n=37), and a control group (n=33). Patients received 6 sessions (30 minutes each) of either Reiki or hand massage. Control participants did not receive any intervention. Pretest and post-test measures included a visual analog scale (VAS), which assessed pain on a 0 (no pain) to 10 (severe pain) scale and the Piper fatigue scale (PFS), which used 22 items in 4 sub-dimensions to score fatigue a...

If you have certain autoimmune conditions, your doctor might suggest Remicade (infliximab) as a treatment option for you. Remicade is a prescription medication that's used to treat the following conditions: Remicade is a biologic , which means it's made from parts of living organisms. It comes as a solution that's given by intravenous (IV) infusion. This is an injection that's given over time through a vein. If Remicade works to treat your condition, you'll likely take the drug long term. For more information about Remicade, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article on the drug. Like other drugs, Remicade infusions can cause mild or serious side effects. Keep reading to learn more. Some people may experience mild or serious side effects during their Remicade treatment. Examples of a few of Remicade's commonly reported side effects may include: * To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section below. Exa...

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It generally affects one joint at a time—often the big toe. People who live with gout experience periods known as flares, times when symptoms worsen, as well as times of remission, during which there are no symptoms. Gout flares are sometimes called gout attacks. Gout can affect any joint, including the wrist, but having wrist gout is rare, especially on its own. Having gout in more than one joint is called polyarticular gout. People who experience gout in the wrist will find their affected wrist suddenly painful and swollen. Fortunately, gout in the wrist is manageable and treatable. This article will cover the signs and symptoms of gout in the wrist, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Chainarong Prasertthai / Getty Images Signs and Symptoms of Gout in the Wrist Gout in the wrist is not as common as gout in the big toe. This makes it harder for healthcare providers to diagnose. If ...