Monday October 27, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new study has found that the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in American women is growing again after four decades of decline.

The study led by researchers at Mayo Clinic showed that the incidence of RA in women increased to 54 per 100,000 from 36 per 100,000 from early 1995 to early 2005.  

The incidence of RA in men remained unchanged at 29 per 100,000.  

The overall incidence in the general population increased from 0.85 to 0.95 percent. In the U.S., incidence of RA had declined from 1955 to 1994.

The researchers discovered the increase in incidence of RA in women after they tracked 350 adult patients ages on average 56.5 years from Olmsted County, Minn, healthday.com reported.

The study was scheduled to be presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology /Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, in San Francisco.

The following is cited from a government health agency about rheumatoid arthritis.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Fast Facts: An Easy-to-Read Series of Publications for the Public

Rheumatoid arthritis is disease that affects the joints. It causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. If one knee or hand has rheumatoid arthritis, usually the other does too. This disease often occurs in more than one joint and can affect any joint in the body. People with this disease may feel sick and tired, and they sometimes get fevers.

Some people have this disease for only a few months, or a year or two. Then it goes away without causing damage. Other people have times when the symptoms get worse (flares), and times when they get better (remissions). Others have a severe form of the disease that can last for many years or a lifetime. This form of the disease can cause serious joint damage.

Anyone can get this disease, though it occurs more often in women. Rheumatoid arthritis often starts in middle age and is most common in older people. But children and young adults can also get it.

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Doctors don't know the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis. They know that with this arthritis, a person's immune system attacks his or her own body tissues. Researchers are learning many things about why and how this happens. Things that may cause rheumatoid arthritis are:

    * Genes (passed from parent to child)
    * Environment
    * Hormones.

How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?

People can go to a family doctor or rheumatologist to be diagnosed. A rheumatologist is a doctor who helps people with problems in the joints, bones, and muscles. Rheumatoid arthritis can be hard to diagnose because:

    * There is no single test for the disease
    * The symptoms can be the same as other kinds of joint disease
    * The full symptoms can take time to develop.

To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, doctors use medical history, physical exam, x rays, and lab tests.

How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated?

Doctors have many ways to treat this disease. The goals of treatment are to:

    * Take away pain
    * Reduce swelling
    * Slow down or stop joint damage
    * Help people feel better
    * Help people stay active.

Treatment can include patient education, self-management programs, and support groups that help people learn about:

    * Treatments
    * How to exercise and relax
    * How to talk with their doctor
    * Problem solving.

These programs help people:

    * Learn about the disease
    * Reduce pain
    * Cope with physical issues and emotions
    * Feel more control over the disease
    * Build confidence
    * Lead full and active lives.

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis may involve:

    * Lifestyle changes
    * Medicine
    * Surgery
    * Regular doctor visits
    * Alternative therapies.

Lifestyle Changes

Here are some ways to take care of yourself:

    * Keep a good balance between rest and exercise
    * Take care of your joints
    * Lower your stress
    * Eat a healthy diet.

Medicine

Most people with rheumatoid arthritis take medicine. Drugs can be used for pain relief, to reduce swelling, and to stop the disease from getting worse. What a doctor prescribes depends on:

    * The person's general health
    * How serious the rheumatoid arthritis is
    * How serious the rheumatoid arthritis may become
    * How long the person will take the drug
    * How well the drug works
    * Possible side effects.

Surgery

There are many kinds of surgery for people with severe joint damage. Surgery is used to:

    * Reduce pain
    * Help a joint work better
    * Help people be able to do daily activities.

Surgery is not for everyone. Talk about the option with your doctor.

Regular Doctor Visits

Regular medical care is important so doctors can:

    * See if the disease gets worse
    * See if drugs are helping
    * Look for drug side effects
    * Change treatment when needed.

Your care may include blood, urine, and other lab tests and x rays.

Alternative Therapies

Special diets, vitamins, and other alternative therapies are sometimes suggested to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Some therapies help people reduce stress. Many of these treatments are not harmful, but they may not be well tested or have any real benefits.

People should talk with their doctor before starting an alternative therapy. If the doctor feels the therapy might help and isn't harmful, it can become part of regular care.

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rheumatic_Disease/rheumatoid_arthritis_ff.asp