N213: Health Differences Across the Life Span 3

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide “set-off” the immune response including virus (Eppstein Barr, etc), stressful situations, smoking, and genetics. The disease begins with an inflammation of the synovial membranes in the joints, which leads to edema, congestion, and immobility of the joint. Fluid builds up and causes crepitus in the joint. Patients may even display heat and redness during a flare-up. Treatment is aimed at reducing the inflammatory response in the body and improving the quality of life for the patient since the disease is chronic. Another manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis is systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE. The body’s immune system produces too many B-lymphocytes that attack the body’s cells. It causes major inflammation anywhere in the body and can cause organ failure. This disease includes rheumatoid arthritis, but these patients experience a full-range of symptoms all over the body. It is an auto- immune disorder and the body and immune system attacks itself. This condition has periods of flare- ups and then goes into remission for a period of time. These can be controlled with certain medications. If this disease is not controlled with proper medications, severe complications could result including renal failure, heart failure, lung disease, and death. Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: • Fever • Fatigue • Nodules under skin • Joint pain • Spongy/boggy joints • Morning stiffness • Deformities • Weight loss • Anemia Signs and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus: • Reynaud’s phenomenon (blue fingers/toes) • Chest pain • Cough • Skin rashes • Butterfly rash across nose • Mouth ulcers • Fevers • Fatigue/malaise • Weight loss/gain • Joint pain/morning stiffness/arthralgia • Lesions from exposure to sunlight • Papular erythematosus rash to hands • Lymphadenopathy • Pericarditis • Pleuritis • Nephritis • CNS symptoms: psychosis and seizures • Abdominal symptoms: nausea and vomiting

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