One common ailment among adults is rheumatoid arthritis. It is an autoimmune type of disease in which the
immune system of the body attacks the joint. It means that the joints are being
subjected to inflammation causing damage to both the cartilage and bones. Aside
from the pain and discomfort that is commonly experienced by a person having a
rheumatoid arthritis attack, it also causes disabling deformities, especially
in the hand and feet. Fortunately, there are ways on how to prevent and stop the
disease/attack from occurring.
Once recognized, it is vital for it to be
treated before it can cause any more severe damage to the bones or the
cartilage. The disease is like a tumor or cancer that progresses and thus if it
is to be halted early on, it would help tremendously on the pain and discomfort
in the later years.
Unfortunately for those who aren’t fans
of taking pills, at present, the most common form of remedy for this disease is
through medication. Taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is
considered a reliable way of slowing or halting the progression of the disease.
This drug has two types - the first one suppresses the body’s immune system,
and the other one hones on certain inflammation producers. It had been
categorized as biologics later on since they are synthesized from human genes.
Many researchers have devoted their time
in studies as to how the intervention by the DMARDs has impacted on the
progression of the disease. One of the thing they did is to track down patients
over a two year period. These patients took DMARDs and are classified as having
‘early rheumatoid arthritis’ since for the following year, the onset of the
disease will strike. As per the study, out of the 833 patients that have been
tracked down, more than 90% of them have showed symptoms showing that the
disease’s progression has slowed down.
After six months of usage, 56% of the
patients have achieved slow activity, which meant less swelling, inflammation
and pain markers. After two years, these people who have used the drug at the
earliest stage they could have a notably better experience with the disease
compared to those who have only used the drug later on.
Researchers have
also stated that the conventional use of DMARD doesn’t necessarily work just
for everyone. There are some who might want to consider as using biologics
combined with DMARD, while others opt to undergo surgical procedures for a
longer lasting result. They have also noted that the ‘early window’ for one to
intervene the disease’s progression is within three months since the disease
has started. This is the period wherein the patient will start to develop joint
inflammation.
