Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis Analysis Essay

Essay 5
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Essay 5
Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and can be categorized as a degenerative disorder. This degenerative disorder occurs when there is a breakdown of the cartilage that cushions a person’s joint. When there is a tearing down of the cartilage, bones around the joint rub against each other which causes pain through the exposure of some small nerves. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder. In autoimmune diseases, the body's immune system fights harmless body tissues. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body treats the soft tissue lining the joints as a threat and therefore attacks it (Aletaha & Smolen, 2018). Consequently, fluid accumulates around the joints, which leads to inflammation and pain.
As far as the pathophysiology is concerned, the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis involves remodelling of the bones. The remodelling is brought about by a degradation of the cartilage due to the activation of chondrocytes (Chow & Chin, 2020). Inflammation results in cells surrounding the articular cartilage. These cells release enzymes that break down collagen and proteoglycans and ultimately results in the destruction of the articular cartilage. The pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is not completely understood. Evidence, however, reveals that factors such as dysregulated inflammation which is accompanied by the presentation of antigen and activation of T-cells, are some of the factors that mediate the process of inflammation. The pathophysiology is also partly similar since, in both conditions, there is the degradation of the tissues surrounding the joints.
Although osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, there are some treatments that help reduce discomfort and help one feel better. Medications that help in relieving the pain include duloxetine and acetaminophen. Further, occupational and physical therapies are used to help manage the condition. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Evidence reveals that if management is started, early remission of symptoms is likely. Medications used are referred to as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Fluid, Electrolyte Balance and Chronic Kidney Disease
Regulation of fluids and electrolytes is primarily the function of the kidney. It follows that when the kidneys have failed, the process of regulating fluid and electrolytes will be adversely affected. Chronic kidney disease has been shown to result in many forms of imbalances as far as fluids and electrolytes are concerned. With the regulation mechanisms of the kidneys unavailable, the following are some of the conditions that are likely to be brought about by a lack of balance in fluid and electrolyte regulation. The conditions include hyperkalemia (elevated amounts of potassium), hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and metabolic acidosis. When there are unregulated fluids and electrolytes, the body cannot function optimally. Therefore, it is paramount that patients with chronic kidney disease undergo dialysis so that the fluids can periodically be balanced. The dialysis machine acts as an artificial kidney and does most of the functions that a human kidney...