In this autoimmune disease the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints.
a) osteoarthritis
b) rheumatoid arthritis
c) osteopedia
d) diabetes
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is b) rheumatoid arthritis.
Explanation:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, specifically the joints. This causes inflammation, swelling, pain, and eventually damage to the joint tissues. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis is driven by an abnormal immune response.
In RA, the immune system targets the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. This immune attack leads to thickening of the synovium, causing inflammation and swelling, which can damage cartilage and bone within the joint. Over time, this can lead to joint deformity and loss of function.
RA often affects multiple joints symmetrically (both sides of the body), such as the hands, wrists, and knees. People with RA may experience fatigue, fever, and general malaise in addition to joint symptoms.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- a) Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis but is not autoimmune. It results from mechanical wear and tear on joints, leading to cartilage breakdown. Osteoarthritis symptoms tend to develop gradually and are typically related to age or joint injury.
- c) Osteopedia: This term does not refer to any recognized medical condition.
- d) Diabetes: This is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to problems with insulin production or function. Diabetes is not an autoimmune attack on the joints, although some forms like Type 1 diabetes are autoimmune diseases targeting pancreatic cells.
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis is a classic example of an autoimmune disease affecting joints. The immune system’s mistaken attack leads to chronic inflammation, joint pain, and damage. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to manage symptoms and prevent joint destruction. Treatment usually involves medications that suppress the immune response and control inflammation, such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics.