Instructions:
This week we have explored the Inflammatory Process and Wound Healing. Reviewing everything you’ve learned this week, select one example of an inflammatory condition and one example of an infectious disorder from a wound.
Compare and contrast the causes, signs and symptoms, diagnostic tools, and treatment.
In what ways are they similar?
In what ways are they different?
Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references.
Estimated time to complete: 2 hours
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cellulitis Similarities and Differences
Inflammatory Process: Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is also referred to as an autoimmune condition and indicates a situation where the immunity of the body, rather than protection, attacks the membrane lining surrounding the joints (Begum, 2024). It results in the inflammation of the lining of the body, making the body joints red, swollen, painful and warm, therefore making it similar to cellulitis. It affects the two sides of the body, including the knees, wrists and hands. The main cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is not well known. However, it is believed to be a combination of hormonal, environmental and genetic factors. The factor triggers the immune system to attack the joints or other organs, and the risk factors are composed of a family history of RA, body overweight and smoking. The symptoms include joint swelling and pain, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and stiffness in most cases after sitting for an extended period of time in the morning. The diagnostic tools included are blood tests to check for anemia, C reactive protein (CRP), Rheumatoid factor (RF), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and cyclic citrulline peptide antibody test. Alternatively, imaging tests such as X-rays assess joint inflammation and damage extent. Rheumatoid Arthritis is treated through medications, exercise, rest or surgery to correct the joint damage.
Infectious Disorder: Cellulitis
On the other hand, cellulitis forms a common bacterial infection of soft tissues underneath the skin. It is similar to Rheumatoid Arthritis as it causes skin pain, swelling, warmth or redness. Even though different bacteria are causing the infection, the main bacteria causing the infection include staphylococcus aureus and Group A streptococcus. It becomes life-threatening after spreading into the bloodstream (Sheikh, 2024). The symptoms include fever, chills, swelling, warmth, redness and pain in the affected area. The diagnosis of cellulitis is via the physician’s skin examination, an X-ray to determine a foreign object in the skin and the possibility of infection in the bone underneath. Additionally, bacterial culture enables a doctor to remove the fluid in the affected area and send it to the lab to identify the causative organism. The treatment comprises cellulitis antibiotics, including cephalexin and dicloxacillin, taken through the mouth, and wound care.
References
Begum, J. (2024). Rheumatoid Arthritis: Signs and Treatment. WebMD. to an external site.
Sheikh, Z. (2024). How to Get Rid of Cellulitis. WebMD. to an external site.
