DR. CORA LIM-MEDICAL INSIDER
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Part 2
We continue to deal with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) today.
Like what we wrote last week, we defined Rheumatoid
Arthritis according to how medical books define it whihch
is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the
joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect different people in different
ways. This is the reason that we can’t predict how the
condition might develop for every individual. Some will
Continue to have joint pain, swelling and flare-ups; others
will always have very mild rheumatoid arthritis while there
are those who will develop severe disease with extensive
disability.
You might ask this question: How is Rheumatoid Arthritis
Diagnosed?
In the early stages of the condition, no single test can give
a definite diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors have
to come up with a diagnosis based on the patient’s
symptoms, a physical examination and the results of blood
tests. Sometimes X-rays, musculoskeletal USG or scans
are needed. The blood tests would include: ESR or CRP,
RF-IgM and Anti CCP.
So what are some of the Treatment Options based on the
suggestions of medical practitioners? Regular
physiotherapy and foot wear are necessary. Groups of
drugs are also used to treat RA like: Painkillers
(analgesics), Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) or steroids, Convensional disease modifying
anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS), and Biologic agents
It should be noted that most people with rheumatoid
arthritis need to take medicine. This is because different
drugs work in different ways.
DMARDS take some time to start working. This is the
reason a patient may also be given a steroid or NSAIDs
(painkillers), which can reduce the inflammation and ease
your symptoms while the DMARDs are taking effect
Finally, it is advisable that regular follow-up be done since
the safety and efficacy of drugs need monitoring at regular
intervals.