Have ever you felt the pain in the feet or hands in the morning? If you have, then you must be alert and immediately find ways to overcome them. It may be that you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. This disease can cause permanent disability and even premature death.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joint tissue. It is possibly also attack other organs. If it is not treated immediately, there will be joint damage and disability, and even premature death. Rheumatoid arthritis is not an independent disease, but rather a group of diseases. But the cause is still unknown.

The disease is caused by many factors. Can be genetic, could also be due to an unhealthy lifestyle. If any family members who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, chances are the child or offspring suffer the same disease. Unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking may like to increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

It is a general think that all of rheumatic diseases are caused by uric acid. Whereas rheumatic disease because of uric acid (gout arthritis) is only approximately 7 percent of the rheumatic diseases. This disease can attack all people, both children and adults. But the most frequently attacked are young adults to the elderly.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that is widespread and involves all racial and ethnic groups in the world.  It usually starts in children before the age of 16 years. Generally, this disease attacks the joints of the fingers, wrists, shoulders, knees, and feet. At an advanced stage, patients will not be able to perform daily activities and quality of life decreases.

Factors Causes and Symptoms

Autoimmune disease occurs because of interference with the normal functioning of the immune system, so that the immune system attack the body’s own tissue. It could also be due to the failure of antibodies to recognize his own body cells and considered a foreign body so destructive.

Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the joints wrapped in a layer commonly called sinovium and cause inflammation of the joints wrappers. Result sinovitis (inflammation of the sinovium) that chronic damage to joint cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments in the joints. Inflammation causes sinovium out some substances that undermined cartilage cells, causing damage to bone and may result in the disappearance of the joint surface that would interfere with joint motion. If it is not immediately treated, can occur permanent disability.

Rheumatoid arthritis usually causes problems in several joints in the same time.

In the early stages, this disease usually attacks the small joints such as wrists, hands, ankles, and feet. Next it will attack shoulder joint,  elbows, knees, hips, jaw, and neck. Generally, this disease attacks the joints of the fingers, wrists, shoulders, knees, and feet.  This situation will occur in the morning and will disappear in the afternoon.

Other symptoms include fever, decreased appetite, weight loss, weakness, and less blood. Sometimes the patient does not feel the symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is usually established from the patient history. Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be said positively when the patient is experiencing as described above for 6 weeks.They will also be carried out laboratory and radiology tests to determine the condition of the patient’s joints.

It can also be carried out joint fluid analysis. The doctor will take joint fluid with a sterile needle, and joint fluid will be analyzed whether there are elevated levels of leukocytes or not.

The goal of treatment is to reduce joint inflammation and prevent or slow joint damage that can cause permanent disability. Besides treatment is also intended to prevent muscle weakness. Early treatment is to improve the comfort and maintain the independence of patients in order not to depend on others.

Previously, the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms start to eliminate the pain such as reducing swelling dab pain. Now, treatment is intended to stop the disease in order not to continue, to prevent loss of joint function, and prevent disability, thus preventing premature death. In the future, treatments directed to reduce the disease despite treatment is stopped.

Treatment of this disease is divided into two, namely treatment with drugs and therapies such as physiotherapy, psychological, and surgery. Lack of drug consuming could occur side effects, the use of fairly complex procedures, slow effects, and the failure rate is quite large.

If the various treatments have been carried out and did not succeed and there is a strong enough reason, it is recommended for surgery. Surgery is an option if the provision of drugs failed to prevent and slow down joint damage. Surgery can restore function to damaged joints.

As a tropical fruit pineapple contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain, which could help in the digestion of protein. Pineapple also could prevent blood clot formation because of its bromelain content.

Pineapple is one of those foods that would bring pleasure to eat. A good, juicy ripe pineapple can satisfy a sweet craving as well as any chocolate bar. Besides the fact that pineapple is a delicious food, it also has many health benefits.

A cup of fresh pineapple chunks contains 73% of the manganese the body needs for the day. Manganese, a trace mineral, is needed to build bone and connective tissues. A latest study proven that a combination of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and manganese offered significant improvement of symptoms for people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.

Nutritional Value:

Pineapple’s nutrients include calcium, potassium, fiber ,and vitamin c It is low in fat and cholesterol. Vitamin c is the body’s primary water soluble antioxidant, against free radicals that attack and damage normal cells. It is also a good source of vitamin B1, vitamin B6, copper and dietary fiber.

Pineapple juice also relives sore throats and bronchitis. However, it should not be used by those with Hemophilia or by those with diseases of the kidneys and liver. It can be useful for heart patients but it seems to reduce the time taken to coagulate the blood which is not good for those with kidney and liver disease.

Pineapples provide an ample supply of vitamin C too, a commonly known antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage and boosts the immune system. Vitamin C helps build and repair bodily tissue and promotes wound healing. The body uses vitamin C to help metabolize fats and cholesterol, absorb iron, and synthesize amino acids and collagen. Collagen is one of the primary building blocks of skin, cartilage and bones. Vitamin C also decreases the severity of colds and infections.

Pineapple is high in anti-oxidants. A very good source of vitamin C, pineapple offers your body an excellent protection against free-radicals, substances that attack healthy cells. A build up of free-radicals can lead to atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease, an increase in asthma attacks and an increased risk of developing certain cancers, such as colon cancer. Free-radicals have also been shown to accentuate the problems associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.This fruits if high in fibre content which helps in easy bowel movement.Pineapple helps in curing stomach problems as diarrhoea.It is used in beauty industry to remove warts.

Pineapple has been thought good for heart conditions and indeed should not be used by people with haemophilia or by those with diseases of the kidneys and liver. This is because it seems to reduce the time taken to coagulate the blood – which is why it can be useful for heart patients.

Pineapple is good for your gums: Furthermore, due to its high vitamin C content, pineapples are good for your oral health as well. Vitamin C can reduce your risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Besides increasing the ability of connective tissue to repair itself, vitamin C also increases the body’s ability to fight invading bacteria and other toxins that contribute to gum disease. Periodontal disease, which destroys gum tissue and underlying jaw bones, has been linked to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

The most common type of heart attack is caused by a coronary thrombosis, which occurs when a clot (thrombus) blocks one or more of the blood vessels that nourish the heart muscle. As a result of the lack of blood, part of the muscle may be damaged, and its ability to contract may be lost. This is known as a myocardial infarction. If the infarct is small and the electrical impulses that control the heart’s contractions (beats) are not disturbed, chances for recovery are excellent.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary thrombosis is one of the manifestations of coronary artery disease. As we grow older, our blood vessels tend to lose their elasticity, a process known as arteriosclerosis. The arteries may also become narrowed or clogged with deposits of fatty material called atheromas, a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is progressive and usually does not produce symptoms until there is significant blockage in the blood flow. Sometimes, in fact, the first symptom of this heart disease is a heart attack.

Although the specific cause of atherosclerosis is not known, it has been found that certain risk factors help in identifying population groups that are more likely to develop it. Three major risk factors are high levels of cholesterol and other blood fats, high blood pressure (hypertension) and cigarette smoking. Others include diabetes, obesity, a sedentary life style, aging, being male and heredity.

Atherosclerosis begins forming as a fatty streak on the inner wall of an artery, usually at its branching-out point, and disturbs the smooth flow of blood. As patches of fatty tissue build up, the inner wall becomes narrower, which inhibits blood flow in a more significant way. An artery continues to narrow as the tissue buildup progresses, and in time, the fatty deposit becomes a hard mass of fatty tissue with a tough outer lining of cells – a plaque. As plaques spread and thicken, they erode the wall of the artery, which interferes with blood flow and makes it increasingly turbulent. This turbulence may trigger the blood to form a clot (thrombus), partially or completely blocking the artery. Further, a fragment of the clot (embolus) may be carried by the bloodstream and block an artery at some distant, narrower point.

Heart attacks sometimes occur in people with little or no coronary artery disease. Some experts believe that a spasm or sudden constriction of the coronary artery may be the cause of these heart attacks. It appears that a spasm may occur in a coronary artery that is totally free of atherosclerosis (as well as in one that is heavily affected by that condition), and this would explain why many people suffer angina and other cardiac problems without any evidence of underlying blockage in the arteries.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

A heart attack can come on gradually, preceded by several attacks of angina over days, weeks, months or even years. (Angina is the name given to the chest pain that arises when the muscular wall of the heart is temporarily deprived of sufficient oxygen.) But a heart attack may also occur without any apparent warning, and in people who have never previously experienced any chest pain.

Typically, the pain of a heart attack is a sensation of constriction in the central chest area; it may vary in intensity from a feeling of tightness to one of agonizing crushing or bursting. The pain may be continuous, or it may last a few minutes, fade and then recur. It commonly spreads to the back, jaw and left arm. Although a heart attack may be precipitated by physical or emotional stress, the pain, unlike that of angina, does not subside when the stress ceases.

Pain is commonly accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness and pallor. (Some people experience a heart attack without any of these symptoms. This is known as a “silent” infarct, which may be confirmed by changes in an electrocardiogram or certain other hospital tests.)

A Medical Emergency

Most deaths from heart attack occur within minutes to hours after the onset of symptoms. Therefore, when sudden and severe chest pain occurs, an ambulance should be called immediately and the individual taken to a hospital. Denying that these symptoms represent a life-threatening illness may cause a delay that could be fatal.

One of the major cause of death from coronary thrombosis is the development of abnormal heart rhythms in the hours immediately following the attack. Emergency treatment, therefore, concentrates on stabilizing the heart rhythm, as well as on relieving pain and preventing shock.

In the hospital’s intensive-care or cardiac-care unit, the rate and rhythm of the heart will be continuously monitored by an electrocardiograph machine. Blood tests to detect enzymes released from the heart aid in assessing the infarct further and various medications may be given. Mood changes and feelings of apprehension are very common following a heart attack, and a mild tranquilizer is often given to the patient.

Depending on the severity of the attack, the patient may be allowed out of bed within three or four days and be discharged after two weeks. Bed rest for more than a short time should be avoided, where possible, because it results in a rapid loss of the body’s muscle tone and in increased heart rate on exertion. Physical activity is gradually increased and most patients are able to return to their full range of normal activity within a few months.

Long-Term Treatment

Depending on such factors as the patient’s age and general physical condition, and the extent of the heart damage, a variety of different approaches may be taken to deal with the underlying coronary artery disease and to reduce the possibility of another heart attack.

Changes in life style. A number of steps can be taken to prevent or slow down the progression of heart disease. These include stopping smoking, exercising regularly and adopting a low-cholesterol diet.

Drug treatment. The use of drugs depends upon the nature of the heart attack and underlying coronary disease. Antihypertensive drugs may be prescribed to lower the blood pressure. Other drugs may be given to improve heart function, prevent chest pain or lower the level of blood cholesterol.

Other treatments A number of other treatments, including coronary bypass surgery, are available. Obviously, their use depends upon individual needs.

Gums are an anchor of our teeth. Just as roots hold trees firmly to the ground, it is our gums which fix the teeth to the jaw. Keeping gums healthy is very important and this governs the overall oral health. In fact, it is as important to look after gums as it is to look after teeth. Surveys reveal that more people are falling easy prey to gum diseases. The matter of concern is that gum diseases are no longer restricted only to the aged. Even young people and generally teenagers develop this condition.

Early detection of symptoms helps in quick recovery of the problem. The symptoms of these diseases are sometimes very evident, but not always. This is where medical intervention may be needed.

The onset of gum disease:

The condition actually begins with the deposition of plaque (a slimy substance) around the teeth. This is a transparent layer and hence sometimes goes un-noticed. Plaque is the media where the harmful bacteria thrive and form colonies. These bacteria produce acids which not only damage the tooth enamel but also affect the gums.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis:

Gingivitis is a condition of the gums which is not so easy to detect and only an expert can make a proper judgment. The symptoms of gingivitis are sometimes very mild, though in the long run it can prove harmful. Spongy gums, bleeding gums or even mild swelling of gums can be the beginning of this condition. The condition is worsened with plaque deposits that continuously damage the gums.

Periodontitis is a more serious condition as compared to gingivitis. It not only affects the gums but also the jaw bones. The condition needs quick medical attention and if not treated early can pose more serious problems. Periodontitis causes the gums to bleed and in extreme cases the gums lose the hold on teeth completely. The result is an irreversible loss of teeth. The other symptoms include difficulty in biting and chewing food. This symptom cannot be traced until an expert or a oral surgeon gives an opinion. Special techniques are used by experts to find out if the bite has the proper force or not.

Another problem which is common in most of the gum infections is the exposed roots of teeth. These roots are normally protected under the gum layer. However when the gums are affected, they tend to shrinkFree Articles, exposing these roots. This leads to increased sensitivity to extreme temperatures and difficulty in eating as well.

Just about the only thing that is worse than having a toothache is having to go to the dentist so that he can fix it! While you might try to ignore a toothache and hope it goes away you really need to have it checked out as most toothaches are due to tooth or jaw problems like dental cavity, cracked tooth, exposed tooth root, gum disease, jaw point diseases or spasm of the muscles used for chewing.

The severity of a toothache can range from chronic, mild to sharp, and excruciating. The pain may worsen or get aggravated by eating and drinking hot and cold foods and beverage. The weather can also worsen the situation. Read the rest of this entry »