Free Rheumatoid Arthritis PowerPoint Presentation

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – 10 Key Insights

1. What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
   Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation, pain, and damage. It affects 0.5% to 1% of the global population, with women three times more likely to develop it than men.
2. Common Symptoms and Early Signs
   RA symptoms often start with joint stiffness (especially in the morning), swelling, tenderness, fatigue, and low-grade fever. Early detection is crucial to prevent joint deformities and systemic complications.
3. Risk Factors and Triggers
   Genetic predisposition, smoking, female sex, obesity, and environmental triggers increase RA risk. Hormonal imbalances and gum disease may also play a role in disease onset and progression.
4. Diagnosis and Screening Methods
   RA diagnosis combines medical history, physical exams, lab tests (e.g., RF, anti-CCP, CRP, ESR), and imaging techniques like X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound to detect inflammation and joint erosion.
5. RA Progression: 4 Stages
   RA typically progresses through four stages—from mild joint inflammation to irreversible bone fusion. Early treatment can halt or delay joint damage.
6. Systemic Complications of RA
   RA affects more than joints. It may cause eye inflammation, lung disease, heart problems, anemia, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of infections due to immunosuppressive treatments.
7. Pharmacologic and Non-Pharmacologic Management
   Treatments include DMARDs (e.g., Methotrexate), biologics (e.g., Tofacitinib), JAK inhibitors, corticosteroids, and NSAIDs. Non-drug strategies include exercise, healthy diet, stress management, and joint protection techniques.
8. Lifestyle Tips and Self-Management
   Daily movement, balanced nutrition, rest-exercise balance, weight control, and avoiding smoking or alcohol help reduce RA symptoms and flares. Support groups and mental health care improve emotional well-being.
9. RA’s Global Impact and Gender Disparity
   RA affects ~18 million people worldwide, with prevalence higher in women aged 30–60. In the U.S., over 1.3 million adults are diagnosed. It carries significant economic costs and increased mortality rates.
10. The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
    Delayed RA treatment can lead to irreversible damage within two years. Early use of DMARDs and lifestyle interventions improves outcomes and slows disease progression.

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