Top rheumatoid arthritis treatment guidelines Resources

Useful rheumatoid arthritis treatment guidelines

Rheumatoid arthritis is disease which causes chronic inflammation of the joint which causes severe pain .The exact cause of the disease is still elusive .The infectious agents like bacteria, virus, and fungi may predispose the disease .The external factors like smoking can also predispose. Rheumatoid arthritis affects all races, all ages and both sexes. The females are more susceptible than males. The older people are more prone for this condition. Fat individuals are more prone. This disease is also known as auto immune disease as the body tissues attacked by its own immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis also affects ligament, muscle, and bone that are adjacent to the joints. The symptom of this disease may come and go. When the inflammation is more the pain is also more. As the inflammation subsides the pain reduces. The course of the disease Varies from patient to patient and the periods of the flares and remission are typical. The symptoms include loss of appetite, mild fever, joint and muscle ache and stiffness. The diagnosis can be made by physical examination [presence of nodules], blood test [abnormal antibody called rheumatoid factor], and sedimentation rate test and by using x rays.

Two classes of medications are used in the treatment they are fast acting [first line drugs such as aspirin and cortisone] and slow acting [second line drugs such as methotrxate and hydroxy chloroquine].the patients with less severity can be rest, pain and anti inflammatory drugs alone. Most patients require most aggressive second line drugs in addition to anti-inflammatory drugs. For patients with severe condition surgery may be necessary. Acetyl salicylate[aspirin],naproxen[naprosyn],ibuprofen[advil] are examples of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce inflammation, pain and swelling. Aspirin used in higher doses than used in head aches is best anti inflammatory drug for rheumatoid arthritis. Aspirin has been used to joint treatment since Egyptian era. The newer non steroidel anti inflammatory drugs can also be very effective and can be used in lesser doses than aspirin. The most common side effects of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs are stomach upset, pain, ulcer, and gastro intestinal bleeding.

Disclaimer : The text presented on these pages is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.

###