1. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS By: Julie Le and Mary Le 5/2/12 4 th pd.

2. What is it?  Chronic inflammation of joints and other areas of the body -wrist, knees, knuckles, ankles  Progressive illness that can cause joint destruction and functional disability  Affects people of all ages

3. How is the disease autoimmune?  Immune system produces antibodies -attacks and destroys healthy tissues found in joints  Immune system attacks the synovium-the lining that covers various joints  Inflammation of synovium is symmetrical

4. Symptoms  Morning stiffness (could last for at least 1 hour) -joints harder to use  Swelling and pain -area is sensitive and tender  Nodules - lumps under the skin  Fluid buildup  Flu-Like symptoms

5. Treatments  Medications -immunosuppressant -Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)  Therapy - exercises to keep joints flexible  Surgery -total joint replacement -joint fusion -There is no known cure

6. Additional Information  Causes of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown  Common rheumatic disease that affects approximately 1.3 million people in the U.S.  Disease is 3 times more common in women than men

7. Works Cited  http://0.tqn.com  http://www.dermnet.com  http://www.doctormurray.com  http://www.justsymbol.com  http://mayoclinic.com  http://www.medicinenet.com  http://www.niams.nih.gov  http://www.noc.nhs  http://www.psdgraphics.com  http://www.rheumatoidarthritisfacts.net  http://thisthatbynat.files.wordpress.com  http://thyroid.about.com  http://umm.edu