Rheumatoid Arthritis Quiz
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that affects 1.5 million Americans. It has no cure, but it can be controlled by a range of treatments. Learn more about RA by taking this quiz. It's based on information from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
1. One characteristic of RA is that it usually affects the same
joints on both sides of the body. If one hand is affected, the other one is, too.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
RA often affects the wrists and fingers. It also affects the neck, shoulders, elbows,
hips, knees, ankles, and feet.
2. RA always gets worse over time.
3. RA is an autoimmune disease.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
An autoimmune disease means that the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's
own tissues. In RA, the immune system attacks the joints, destroying cartilage and
bone.
4. RA is 2 to 3 times more common in women than in men.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Some other forms of arthritis also are more common in women. Two examples are systemic
lupus erythematosus and fibromyalgia.
5. If you have a family history of RA, you are more likely to get it yourself.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Healthcare providers believe that genes play a role in raising the risk for RA. Something
in the environment—an infection, say—may trigger RA in a person who has certain genes.
Hormones also may be involved. RA often eases with pregnancy and flares up after delivery.
6. RA may be difficult to diagnose when symptoms first show up.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
RA symptoms are often similar to those of other diseases and conditions. So it is
often difficult to diagnose RA when the first symptoms show up. A healthcare provider
will make the diagnosis after a physical exam, a look at a person's health history,
blood tests, and X-rays.
7. The medical specialist who treats people with RA is the endocrinologist.
8. Having RA may raise your risk for osteoporosis.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
This is true for
anyone. The risk is greater if you take certain medicines like corticosteroids for
RA.
Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can help prevent osteoporosis.
9. Eating certain foods can help ease RA symptoms.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
No specific food,
ingredient, or supplement helps relieve RA symptoms. But a nutritious, balanced diet
is
important to overall health.
Your score was: