Tuesday, 28 November 2023 – 04:08 WIB
Jakarta – Rheumatism occurs when muscles or joints experience inflammation and swelling. Rheumatism generally occurs in middle age, but young people can also get this disease.
According to health data published by the Arthritis Foundation, environmental and genetic factors can put young people at risk for rheumatism.
Rheumatism at a young age makes sufferers more susceptible to inflammation in the small joints in the hands and feet, bone erosion, and the appearance of rheumatoid nodules, namely small, hard lumps around the joints.
When someone experiences rheumatism at a young age with symptoms of inflammation in small joints, such as the fingers and toes, it is likely that they will experience more severe symptoms in old age.
The following is an in-depth explanation of rheumatism at a young age:
Quoting the report Cleveland Clinic, Monday, 27 November 2023 In general, the causes of rheumatism at a young age are more or less the same as at an old age. Rheumatic conditions at a young age may be related to genetic factors and unhealthy habits.
1. Genetics
If anyone in your family has rheumatism, you have a high chance of also having this condition. Rheumatism can be triggered by a certain gene called the HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class II genotype which increases your chances of developing rheumatism. The risk is even higher if you smoke or are obese.
2. Smoking
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), various studies show that smoking can increase a person’s risk of developing rheumatism and make the disease worse. Not only that, inhaling cigarette smoke or being a passive smoker can also worsen the inflammation that occurs.
X-ray image of the bones of a person suffering from rheumatism, an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system actually triggers inflammation and attacks the body itself
3. Gender
Women are 1-2 times more likely to get rheumatism than men. Changes in sex hormones, such as after pregnancy or before menopause, are believed to trigger this condition. However, more research is needed to support this claim. Even though you have the factors that cause rheumatism at a young age above, it doesn’t mean you will immediately experience it. However, there’s no harm in remaining alert.
4. Obesity
The cause of rheumatism at a young age can also be triggered by obesity. You are considered to have a higher chance of experiencing rheumatism if you are overweight or obese. The higher your weight, the greater your risk of developing rheumatism. Obesity can cause pain or inflammation in the joints due to excessive load or pressure that the joints must withstand.
Painful and swollen joints Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the morning Same symptoms on both sides of the body, for example both knees Weakness Fatigue Fever Loss of appetite How to prevent rheumatism at a young age
Back pain illustration.
Simple ways to prevent rheumatism
Doctors will generally prescribe medication to control pain and help you stay active as a way to treat rheumatism at a young age. They may also advise you to exercise because it is good for your joints, gives you more energy and strengthens your muscles and bones.
Apart from that, you are advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This is useful for preventing rheumatism at a young age. Limit consumption of meat and increase consumption of vegetables and fruit.
If you smoke, stop this habit because it can worsen inflammation triggered by rheumatism. You also need to avoid alcoholic drinks because it is feared that it will affect how the medicine you are using works.
2023-11-27 21:08:00
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