2023-04-29 17:42:57
The treatment for the disease does not depend only on the medicines that are supplied to the patient, but on the commitment of the same.
Dr. Amarilis Pérez de Jesús, rheumatologist. Photo: archive of the Medicine and Public Health Magazine.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic condition that affects not only the joints, but is related to some organ conditions, such as anemia, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, fractures, and even cancer.
In general, this disease has four central symptoms, which include pain, redness, swelling and increased temperature in the affected areas. In addition, the patient presents symptoms of rigidity that usually last for approximately 30 minutes and chronic exhaustion due to the systemic inflation process.
exclusively for Medicine and Public Health magazinethe rheumatologist Amarilis Pérez de Jesús explained that, in order to give an accurate diagnosis of the disease, it is necessary that the symptoms agree with a series of parameters exposed by the American College of Rheumatologists: “not everyone who has a positive rheumatoid factor necessarily has rheumatoid arthritis,” he said.
On the other hand, the doctor explained that rheumatoid arthritis occurs symmetrically, that is, it affects both hemispheres of the body in equal measure, like a mirror effect, and although many people consider that the disease only affects the elderly, unfortunately there is no a biological regulation in which the affectation to a specific population range is determined.
Evolution of treatments for rheumatoid arthritis over the years
The specialist explained that, with the passage of years and technological evolution and scientific, has been implemented in past decades treatments and medicines who exercised greater control of the disease, as they were discovered. This allowed patients to better cope with the situation, improving their expectation and quality of life.
“By the 1930s, non-inflammatory anti-inflammatory drugs began to be used steroids and gold treatments injectable. By the 50s, hydroxychloroquine and steroids began to be used; in the 60s, sulfasalazine is implemented; for the decade of the 70, begins the use of D-pencilamine and azathioprine; for the decade of the 80, methotrexate arrives; in the 90s, we started with the necrotic factor antagonists tumor, leflunomide and cyclosporine. And finally, by the year 2000 we began to develop therapies directed at B cells.”
The investigations that have been carried out in the field of rheumatoid arthritis have made it possible to determine that not all drugs perform the same functions in all people: “We are developing therapeutic models for each patient; each patient is different and has different associated diseases, so the therapies will vary”.
The expert highlights not only the importance of an early diagnosis, but also the correct adherence to treatment to achieve the objective established by the doctor and patient from the beginning, always for the well-being of the person; therapy should be followed and adhered to under the supervision of a professional.
Relieve and prevent rheumatoid arthritis symptoms at home
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Do morning stretches to prevent joint stiffness.
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Take walks. Start with short walks and gradually lengthen them. The goal is to be able to keep the joints moving.
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Do water exercises.
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Exercise on stationary bikes.
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Practice pilates or yoga.
See the full program here.
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