Rheumatoid Arthritis

The etiology of rheumatoid arthritis comprises three factors: (a) infection caught through bacteria like androgen and mycoplasma appear to have a low virulence. In periarticular and particular parts of immunocompromised hosts, destruction and inflammation are caused.

Also, studying these infections in the laboratory is quite difficult. (b) Few studies have been conducted about the primary androgen the human adrenal cortex creates. This androgen is a deficit of DHEA (dehydro-epi-androsterone). (c) For standard immunity, cortisol is essential.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cortisol is an ordinary adrenocortical hormone with a moderately minor deficiency; however, due to its sturdier byproducts or use of disproportionate doses, it has acquired a bad reputation.

Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects individuals of middle age between the ages of forty to sixty. However, it can occur at any age. In comparison to men, women are more likely to suffer from this disease. It can also be caused due to factors such as obesity, environmental exposures, smoking, and family history.

It is quite difficult to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis in its early stages since its symptoms and signs are quite minimal in comparison to other diseases.

No physical findings or blood tests are present to confirm the diagnosis. However, the doctor will prefer a physical examination, and the joints will be checked for warmth, redness, and swelling.

Other than this, the strength of the patient’s muscles and reflexes will also be checked. However, concerning blood tests, an elevated CRP (c-reactive protein) or (sed rate or ESR – erythrocyte sedimentation rate) may be found in the case of patients suffering from this disease.

Also, to track the progress of the disease, the doctor might recommend X-rays. The doctor can also check the severity of the disease through ultrasound tests and MRI.

Other than this, several laboratory tests can be carried out in order to confirm the diagnosis: joint fluid tests, muscle biopsy, skin biopsy, Lyme serology, c-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, HLA tissue typing, uric acid, anti–CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide), RF (rheumatoid factor), ANA (antinuclear antibody).

Medical Community

In the medical community, some necessary clinical tools for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis are physical examination and special tests like synovial fluid analysis, arthroscopy, and joint aspiration.

Other than this, the doctors may consider imaging, i.e., X-rays, laboratory testing, and medical history. The doctors may also check the patient’s medical history and carry out different surveys, including RAPID 3—Routine assessment of patient index data, ACR 20—American College of Rheumatology 20, CDAI—clinical disease activity index, DAS 28—disease activity score for 28 joints, and HAQ—health assessment questionnaire.