PrimaBerita – Symptoms and causes of disease rheumatism this you have to watch out for. Rheumatism is a disease that attacks the joint system. The cause of rheumatism causes prolonged pain that can be very painful.
One type of rheumatism that is quite common is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The cause of rheumatism is closely related to the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints.
The cause of rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis often attacks the hands and feet. Causes of rheumatism can cause stiffness in joints. In severe cases, the causes of rheumatism can also affect the lungs, heart and eyes.
Launching from the Mayo Clinic, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks the synovium, the membrane layer that surrounds joints. The resulting inflammation thickens the synovium which can eventually destroy the cartilage and bone in the joints.
In this condition the tendons and ligaments that hold the joints in place weaken and stretch. Gradually, the joints lose their shape and alignment.
Here are 7 factors that cause rheumatism
Genetic
A family history can increase your chances of developing rheumatism. If a family member has rheumatoid arthritis, you may have a higher risk of developing the disease.
Trauma
Researchers have linked physical trauma as a potential cause of rheumatism. According to a study in the journal Open Access Rheumatology, trauma can trigger inflammation that can lead to rheumatism.
Examples of trauma include fractures, joint dislocations, and ligament damage. Trauma usually causes inflammation that can one day lead to rheumatoid arthritis.
Infection
Researchers suspect infectious agents such as bacteria can cause inflammation that triggers rheumatoid arthritis. A study in the journal Science Translational Medicine from Johns Hopkins University in December 2016 found that bacteria that cause chronic inflammatory gum infections can trigger RA.
Viruses can also play a role in triggering RA. According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with RA, on average, have higher levels of antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus.
Hormone
Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women because female hormone levels can contribute to the development of the disease. For example, some women may experience fluctuations in rheumatic symptoms when they are pregnant. A woman’s symptoms may subside when she is pregnant and then get worse after pregnancy.
Breastfeeding, and the increased levels of hormones associated with it, can also worsen rheumatic symptoms.
Smoke
Smoking can affect the causes of rheumatism, the severity of symptoms and the effectiveness of treatment. A study in Arthritis Research and Therapy found that even light smoking was associated with an increased risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Irritants and pollutants
Although poorly understood, certain exposures such as asbestos or silica can increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers have linked exposure to airborne irritants with development of rheumatism, these include cigarette smoke, air pollution, and insecticides.
Obesity
According to the Arthritis Foundation, an estimated two-thirds of people with rheumatoid arthritis are obese or overweight. Fat in the body can release proteins related to inflammation. In particular, fat releases cytokines, which are also compounds released in inflamed joints.
The more a person is overweight, the more severe their rheumatic symptoms will be. Obesity also appears to affect the treatment of rheumatism.
