Rheumatoid arthritis: Symptoms, therapy and risks decrypted!

Rheumatoid arthritis: Symptoms, therapy and risks decrypted!

Schladming, Österreich - rheumatoid arthritis - this chronic joint inflammation affects a growing number of people, often without warning. According to a report of the Kleine Zeitung are about two thirds of the patients, and the risk increases from the age of 50. The exact causes of the disease are unknown, but experts refer to genetic predispositions and environmental factors, in particular to microbioma and smoking as possible triggers. The disease can lead to severe pain, swelling and restrictions on the joint function.

diagnosis and treatment in the focus

The diagnosis is carried out by a combination of symptoms, family history, clinical findings and laboratory examinations. The rheumatologist Holak explains that there is a clearly defined therapy program called "Treat-to-Target". This aims to improve the patient's quality of life so that affected people want to feel like before the illness. After three months of treatment, noticeable progress should be seen; After six months, doctors expect a significant decline in the symptoms. If this does not occur, a new therapy option will be considered. However, some of the treatments can have side effects that range from an increased risk of skin cancer to heart problems, as the qualified health and nurse Sylvia Taxer indicates.

not to be neglected is the indication of a lack of living vaccinations that should be made up for before the start of therapy. The annual training conference of the Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists in Schladming is all about rheumatoid arthritis and attracts around 650 participants this year to exchange ideas about the many facets of this disease.

In addition, there is also on lifemitrheuma.at valuable resources, including consultation with experts who can give helpful tips in order to better deal with the illness and the associated mental stress. A holistic approach is pursued to support the patient in their treatment and increase quality of life.