Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured?

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to completely cure without medication, as it is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system that requires lifelong medication. The main treatment plans include the following three categories: The first category is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, which includes non-steroidal analgesics and low-dose corticosteroids. The second category, which is also the most important treatment, involves the use of immunosuppressants. Commonly used immunosuppressants include methotrexate and leflunomide. If the patient does not respond well to anti-inflammatory analgesics and immunosuppressants, treatment with biological agents may also be considered. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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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.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What is the best medicine to take for rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a clinical manifestation of rheumatic fever, which is a delayed sequelae that occurs after infection with streptococci. The most common symptoms include fever, arthritis, rheumatic heart disease, subcutaneous nodules, or marginal erythema. It mainly occurs in adolescents and is most commonly triggered by cold weather and damp environments. In cases showing joint symptoms, the first choice of medication is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additionally, it is crucial to actively treat the primary disease, which means eliminating the causative factor by eradicating the streptococcal infection. Eradication of the streptococcal infection involves the use of long-acting penicillin, and it is necessary to complete the treatment course of two weeks. Moreover, appropriate rest during the acute phase and avoiding exertion is needed. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Rheumatoid arthritis should be seen in the rheumatology department.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should visit the department of rheumatology and immunology, as it is an immune-related disease. The primary mechanism of the disease involves the production of abnormal antibodies in the body, which attack the joints themselves, leading to symptoms such as joint swelling and pain. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis can also manifest symptoms outside of the joints. The most common of these is interstitial lung disease in some patients, primarily presenting as asthma. Furthermore, some patients may experience kidney involvement, mainly characterized by significant proteinuria.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How to cure rheumatoid arthritis?

The treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis mainly consist of three major categories. The first category is the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, commonly including non-steroidal analgesics such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets, and small doses of corticosteroids can also be used. For rheumatoid arthritis, the most important treatment is the choice of immunosuppressants. Commonly used immunosuppressants include methotrexate and leflunomide. After using these medications, it is necessary to regularly monitor blood routine tests and liver and kidney functions to check for possible side effects of the drugs. If the effects of the above oral medications are not satisfactory, the application of biologics can also be considered. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can people with rheumatoid arthritis donate blood?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by symmetrical polyarthritis. It belongs to auto-immune diseases and is not an infectious disease; the cause of which is currently unclear. There is also considerable individual variation in its clinical manifestations. Because it is an autoimmune disease, it cannot be cured. This relates to whether or not one can donate blood: firstly, blood donors must not have any infectious diseases. Secondly, since this disease cannot be cured and patients often need to take regular doses of medications such as methotrexate, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine, there will be a certain concentration of these drugs in the body. If the condition allows and there are no infectious diseases, blood donation may be appropriately considered.