Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory
disease that can cause the bodies immune system to attack the joints,
can lead to disability, a doctor said Monday.
"Your immune system protects your
body against foreign invaders such as bacteria, fungi and viruses,
but with rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system loses its ability to
tell the difference between these foreign invaders and the normal
cells of the body," said Dr. Taing Tek Hong, as a guest on
Swelling, pain, stiffness, redness, and
a warm sensation on the joints are signs and symptoms of rheumatoid
arthritis, he said, adding that the disease can strike any joint in
Rheumatoid arthritis can last for
years, and patients may experience long periods without symptoms, he
said. Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness that has the
potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability.
listener from Kampong Cham said he had a chronic pain in his knees
and his wrists for 10 years. He wanted to know how to get rid of the
"The degree of rheumatoid arthritis varies
from patient to patient," Taing Tek Hong said.
Patients with a disease that has
quieted after years of activity can be managed with rest, pain and
anti-inflammatory medications alone. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, and
Motrin are examples anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce tissue
inflammation, pain, and swelling.
Most patients require more
aggressive second-line drugs, in addition to anti-inflammatory
agents. Sometimes these second-line drugs are used in combination. In
some patients with severe joint deformity, surgery may be
Corticosteroid medications can be given orally or
injected directly into tissues and joints.