What is Rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis, the most common form of inflammatory arthritis affecting approximately one percent of the world's population, is an autoimmune disease which causes the body's immune system to attack multiple joints leading to pain, swelling and joint damage. Generally, an autoimmune disease is a disease where one's immune system breaks down certain body tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the thin membrane that lines a joint, known as the synovium, and causes it to thicken and produce chemical substances that damage the joint's cartilage, bone and the supporting soft tissue structures. Although joints are most commonly affected, rheumatoid arthritis can also attack the membranes lining the blood vessels, heart, and lungs. The hands and feet are most often affected, but any joint lined by a membrane may be involved. Rheumatoid arthritis is most commonly seen in females in their 20's and 30's and often first involves the hands, feet or wrists, but also may include the ankles, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, spine or jaw.

Some rheumatoid arthritis patients develop hardened lumps under the skin called rheumatoid nodules which form on the elbows, hips, heels, and head. Rheumatoid arthritis patients are also susceptible to cartilage and bone destruction which can render the joint deformed and immobile. Finally, rheumatoid arthritis patients may also experience weight loss, fever, fatigue, low grade fever, dryness of the eyes, color changes of the fingers and toes, dryness of the mouth, and inflammation of the eyes, heart, lungs skin and nerves.

Although it has not yet been determined what causes rheumatoid arthritis, researchers suspect heredity plays a determining role. Ongoing research has also pointed to the possibility of certain infections or chemicals as a possible cause as well as hormones.

What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. It primarily causes ulcerations in the small and large intestines, but can affect the digestive system anywhere between the mouth and the anus. The inflammation can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea. The disease is found in equal frequency in men and women, and usually affects young patients in their teens or early twenties. Crohn's disease, in most cases, is a chronic, recurrent condition with periods of remission and disease exacerbation.

Although the precise cause of Crohn's disease has yet to be determined, it is suspected to be caused by bacteria which promotes intestinal inflammation.

Symptoms and complications of Crohn's disease include anemia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, ulcers, bloody stool, swelling, cramping, weight loss, swelling, hemorrhaging, rectal bleeding, bowel obstruction, fever, poor absorption of nutrients and bile acids and inflammation of the large intestine.