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Arthritis
has plagued mankind for millennia. Historians have found references to
forms of arthritis in Greek and Roman literature, and some even
suspect cavemen suffered from it.
Today it's so widespread
that one in six people and one in three families are affected by it.
More than 43 million Americans of all ages are currently victims of
arthritis and related conditions. Over the next 20 years, as the baby
boom generation ages, the total is expected to rise to 60 million.
Frequently we ignore arthritis, calling it simply the "aches
and pains" of old age. Or we self-medicate with painkillers, not bothering to
seek professional treatment. But make no mistake: Arthritis is a serious, potentially
crippling, and even fatal disease. The early warning signs should never be ignored.
Some
Arthritis Facts
- Women are almost twice as likely as men to suffer from
arthritis. The disease becomes more prevalent after age 45. Yet it is not
a disease exclusively of the elderly, for more than 300,000 children are also
affected.
- Arthritis is a costly disease: It's the leading cause
of absenteeism; more than 45 million work days are lost each year.
- The estimated yearly cost in lost wages and medical bills
is $65 billion -- second only to the bill for heart disease.
- Arthritis patients average eight visits to
their doctor each year -- twice as many as those suffering from
other chronic illnesses like high blood pressure.
- Approximately six million people are
"self-diagnosed" and improperly "self-treated."
What Is
Arthritis?
"Arthritis" literally means "inflamed
joints. "It is an umbrella term for more than 100 different forms
of joint disease. However, while arthritis primarily affects the
joints, it also attacks muscles and connective tissues surrounding
organs. Arthritic disease stems from injuries, defects in the immune
system, wear and tear on the joints, infections, or genetic
predisposition. Whatever the cause, the effect is much the same in
all individuals: Where bones meet in the joints, they are actually
disintegrating. more
How
Do We Treat Arthritis?
Arthritis treatment is determined by the type
you have. In general, however, the front-line therapy is an analgesic
like aspirin or acetaminophen or a member of a group of
medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or
NSAIDs. Most arthritis sufferers rely on NSAIDs for daily pain
relief. While aspirin is still widely used, NSAIDs have fewer gastric
side effects and are longer-acting than aspirin, so you have to take
fewer pills each day. Strong anti-inflammatory medications such as
corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs may also be used, as well
as a new genetically engineered drug that blocks inflammation due to
the immune-system agent called tumor necrosis factor. Another totally
new class of drugs -- nicknamed "COX-2 inhibitors" -- promises the
benefits of NSAIDs without the gastric side effects.
The Five Basic Types of Arthritis:
Osteoarthritis: The most common form, this disease
affects 20.7 million Americans (usually over age 45).
[more]
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Affects more
than 2.1 million people, mostly women. [more]
Gout: More frequent among men, with an estimated 2.1
million victims. [more]
Ankylosing Spondylitis (Spinal Arthritis): and related
conditions: Some 400,000 patients
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Affects about 240,000
people, usually women.
Other, less common forms include
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma and Arthritis Due
to Infection.
NEXT:
Other Arthritic Diseases
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