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Rheumatic Arthritis
How long will rheumatoid arthritis get better?
Firstly, rheumatoid arthritis is often related to infections, with streptococcal infection being the most common. Some individuals have strong resistance and do not show many clinical symptoms, only presenting signs similar to those of a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat. These symptoms can generally be relieved on their own after rest and increased water intake. For those with low immunity or immune dysfunction, the occurrence of streptococcal infection often leads to fever, joint pain, and valvular heart disease. Treatment at this stage requires the use of long-acting antibiotics to control the condition. Treatment during the acute phase generally lasts about a month. If the heart is involved and valvular disease occurs, there are often some residual sequelae.
Is the C-reactive protein high in rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis, during the acute flare-up phase, can show an increase in C-reactive protein (CRP). After the condition has eased, there can be a significant decrease in CRP, which can initially be used to judge the recovery of the condition. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis is somewhat associated with infection by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Clinically, it primarily presents as migratory pain in the large joints of the limbs and generally does not cause joint deformities; this is an important marker for differentiating it from rheumatoid arthritis. In the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, treatment is mainly symptomatic, predominantly using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as etoricoxib or diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules to alleviate symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis affected areas
Clinically, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as rheumatic fever. It primarily affects the large peripheral joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle joints, with these being the main areas of affliction. The pain often migrates and has a certain self-limiting nature, generally improving on its own in about two weeks. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the heart, with some patients experiencing palpitations and shortness of breath after activity, as well as discomfort in the precordial area. Rheumatoid arthritis may also present with symptoms like ring-shaped erythema on the skin. These are the common sites of affliction for rheumatoid arthritis.
Differential diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is mostly related to streptococcal infections and needs to be differentiated from internal rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other joint pains caused by autoimmune diseases. The main characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis is symmetrical pain in the joints of both hands, usually affecting multiple joints and accompanied by morning stiffness, and even systemic symptoms such as mild fever. The main features of ankylosing spondylitis are stiffness in the neck or pain in the lower back, with pain worsening after rest and alleviating after activity. Diagnosis requires a combination of CT of the sacroiliac joints and tests such as HLA-B27. Joint pain caused by other autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, often presents clinically with facial rashes, accompanied by hair loss, recurrent oral ulcers, and even Raynaud's phenomenon and mild fever. Diagnosis requires comprehensive tests including complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, autoimmune antibodies, abnormal immunoglobulins, etc., based on the corresponding clinical manifestations and tests, to provide differential diagnosis.
What should I do if rheumatoid arthritis deforms the knee joint?
Rheumatoid arthritis and knee joint deformity are serious conditions that may require joint replacement surgery. For less serious cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as etoricoxib or celecoxib, are generally used to treat and alleviate symptoms. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis is associated with streptococcal infections. Clinically, joint deformities are rare, so if joint deformity occurs, it is important to investigate the possibility of rheumatoid arthritis. Since rheumatoid arthritis is an immune-mediated erosive arthritis that can lead to bone destruction and joint deformity, rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies can be tested for diagnostic differentiation.
Can people with rheumatoid arthritis eat millet porridge?
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can safely consume millet porridge, as it is highly nutritious and does not affect rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is somewhat associated with streptococcal infections, and clinically it mainly presents as migratory pain in the major joints of the limbs. With the widespread use of penicillin in recent years, the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis has become increasingly low. Nowadays, it is occasionally seen in clinical practice, mainly among patients with repeated streptococcal infections, such as those with recurrent tonsillitis, who may experience episodes of rheumatoid arthritis. In such cases, removing the cause can generally achieve clinical cure. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and penicillin antibiotics can be used to treat acute episodes.
Can people with rheumatoid arthritis drink red bean and coix seed beverage?
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can drink red bean and coix seed beverage, which does not significantly affect the condition and is rich in proteins, potentially aiding in recovery. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common rheumatic disease, related to infections by streptococci. With the widespread use of penicillin in recent years, the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis has been decreasing. Currently, it is mainly seen in patients with recurrent streptococcal infections, such as those who frequently suffer from tonsillitis, which increases their likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should maintain a light diet and can appropriately consume more high-quality protein foods, such as lean meat, milk, and eggs, while avoiding or reducing spicy and stimulating foods.
Will rheumatoid arthritis RF be high?
Patients with rheumatic arthritis generally do not have elevated rheumatoid factor levels, but there may also be a slight, minor increase. Typically, high titers of positive rheumatoid factors are not present. If a patient with rheumatic arthritis has a significant increase in rheumatoid factor, that is, more than three times the normal value, we need to reconsider the diagnosis of rheumatic arthritis. At this point, further tests are required to refine the diagnosis, including ASO (anti-streptolysin O), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP (C-reactive protein), anti-CCP antibody, and anti-AK antibody, to better determine whether the condition is rheumatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms and treatment methods of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatic arthritis is mostly related to streptococcal infections. Additionally, respiratory viruses and mycoplasma infections can also cause joint pain. Once joint pain occurs, especially if it is asymmetrical, one should consider these infection-related factors, thus necessitating comprehensive tests including anti-streptolysin O, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and respiratory virus tests. Whether to treat rheumatic arthritis depends on symptoms like fever and joint pain. Should there be fever and joint pain, proper medication is required, primarily the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, specifically non-steroidal ones. Treatment should be combined with long-term administration of penicillin to ensure a full course of therapy. If joint pain occurs, immobilization is essential, meaning bed rest is necessary until the joint pain eases. During this period, a light diet and adequate water intake are also recommended. (Please follow the guidance of a professional physician for medication use.)
Does rheumatoid arthritis have anything to do with drinking alcohol?
Rheumatoid arthritis is not causally related to alcohol consumption. There is a certain correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus infection. Clinically, it is mainly manifested as joint pain or arthritis, primarily affecting major joints. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the joints, which are migratory, and generally do not leave joint deformities. During the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to immobilize the joints. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as etoricoxib or diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules, can be used to relieve symptoms. If accompanied by myocarditis, glucocorticoids can also be applied in combination therapy.