JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Do not underestimate the pain in the joints accompanied by swelling, redness, pain if it is driven and has lasted more than 6 weeks. It could be a symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis (AR). If not immediately treated, can lead to disability AR. Rheumatoid arthritis is different with rheumatic diseases. This disease is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation. Inflammatory arthritis caused by this hitherto unknown cause.
"There is a conjecture due to genetic factors, but some are mentioned because of infections and environmental factors that stimulate the immune system to attack normal body tissue," said Prof.Dr.Harry Isbagjo, Sp.PD-KR, Professor of School of Medicine Division of Rheumatology / RSCM education in a media event to commemorate World Rheumatoid Arthritis, in Jakarta (11/10).
Until now, experts are still looking for what causes a disease that can cause these defects. "To be sure the disease has nothing to do with certain foods, such as gout (uric acid)," said Harry.
AR disease can not be underestimated because it can damage the cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments affected joints. AR disease patients also often deforms the joints so that the loss of mobility. In Indonesia, an estimated number of patients with AR 0.1 to 0.3 percent of the population and more common in adults and women.
The main symptoms of this disease in addition to swelling and redness is a pain in many joints. "Most of the joints are attacked or left-right symmetric. Suppose the left shoulder and right-hand or second part," said Harry. Another distinctive feature is the presence of lumps (rheumatoid nodules) and a sense of fatigue.
Although the number of patients with AR slightly, but the disease is progressive and causes the most disability. "Damage to the joints have started to occur in the first 6 months and if not treated can occur within 2-3 years of disability," added the former Chairman of the Association of Rheumatology Indonesia.
According to Harry, AR is the primary treatment of disease to improve joint function, prevent disability and disability. "There is no cure for this disease, drugs that now exist only to relieve symptoms and prevent disease progression.
Early treatment can prevent worsening of the disease proved to AR. Therefore, people are expected to be aware of early symptoms of AR disease.