Читать книгу Arthritis For Dummies - Barry Fox - Страница 58

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding what causes rheumatoid arthritis

Recognizing the warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis

Pinpointing who is most likely to develop the disease

Confirming the diagnosis

Treating rheumatoid arthritis

Differentiating between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a case of the human body’s good intentions gone awry. Your body is equipped with a very effective immune system that fights off bacteria and other foreign bodies. Specialized immune cells attack these invaders, surround them, paralyze them, and destroy them. A strong, intact immune system is absolutely essential to your survival — without it, you would quickly become consumed by infections and disease. But if your immune system should suddenly go haywire and start attacking your body’s own tissues, it could become your worst enemy. Such is the case with RA. When you have RA, your immune system attacks the tissues that cushion and line your joints, eventually causing entire joints to deteriorate.

RA doesn’t have to be all bad news though; check out the sidebar “Overcoming RA: Lucy’s Story” later in the chapter to learn how actress Lucille Ball stayed active and healthy until the end of her life, despite having rheumatoid arthritis.