Do You Know What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder is the condition where the body can not distinguish between healthy necessary cells and un-healthy or foreign substances.

The Immune System

The immune system normally functions to protect the body from foreign substances that may cause infections. The immune system uses antigens to identify these foreign particles. Antigens are located on all bodily tissues, cells, on bacteria, viruses, and toxins. These antigens vary based on the specific individual and species. The immune system is capable of the production of antibodies that recognize and mark these antigens for destruction.

Autoimmune Disorder

As the immune system can not distinguish healthy tissues when an autoimmune disorder is present, it is common for the destruction of normal body tissues to occur. A similar mechanism to this is that of allergies. Autoimmune disease response cycles are distinguished by hypersensitivity, just as with allergies. Hence, the immune system attacks and destroys healthy tissues that would normally be ignored. Autoimmune disorders are cause for certain results within the body.

• Healthy bodily tissue destruction
• Organ functional changes
• Abnormal organ growth

Autoimmune Disorder: The Causes

While the exact causes of autoimmune disorders remain highly unknown, the fact remains that the body is unable to effectively distinguish the antigens located on the healthy bodily tissues from foreign substances. There are a couple of environmental theories for the development of autoimmune disorders, including that some drugs trigger the response, and that various microorganisms may be responsible. There is also thought to be a genetic factor that contributes to the development of autoimmune disorders.

Autoimmune Disorder: Rheumatoid Arthritis

One autoimmune disorder is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is cause for inflammation. This is due to the fact that the immune system has lost the capability to distinguish healthy normal cells from foreign substances, causing hypersensitivity and hence inflammation. This inflammation is typically localized to the joints, but it can also become as systemic problem, affecting other organs.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Your Joints

Rheumatoid arthritis is typically localized to the joints, but it can possible affect organs if systemic. The joint is defined as the area where two bones meet that is surrounded in specific tissues including cartilage, tendons, muscles, muscles, and other tissues. The joints serve as axes of movement for the body. Arthritis is defined as joint inflammation. This chronic inflammation of the joints, known as rheumatoid arthritis is capable of causing joint deformities and is associated with many signs and symptoms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Causes

The causes of rheumatoid arthritis remain unknown. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It is thought to be a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. It is also thought that certain infections and hormones are involved with the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is capable of afflicting individuals of all ages, but is more commonly diagnosed in women. Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects the joints of the knees, feet, wrists, and ankles on both sides of the body. However, the severity and course the condition of rheumatoid arthritis is highly variable and is typically based on individual factors including genetics and environmental conditions.

Sources: http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis/article.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/DS00020/DSECTION=1