Autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms and treatment

Autoimmune arthritis: symptoms and treatment

Degenerative changes in the body can occur under the influence of many factors. The mechanism of development is associated with a malfunction in the immune system.

Normally, immunity is produced by contact with foreign agents: bacteria, viruses, chemicals, etc. The resulting antibodies are designed to protect the body.

But there is a breakdown in the system, and immune cells begin to perceive their own tissues, like strangers and aggressively react, destroying them. There is a disease.

Such conditions include autoimmune arthritis - a disease of connective tissue of joints, accompanied by their inflammation and the concomitant involvement in the process of internal organs.

Developing destructive changes cause the destruction of cartilage and adjacent bones, which leads to deformation, decreased mobility, a significant disruption in function and ability to work. Autoimmune arthritis affects about one percent of the population, is more common in young women.

Etiology and pathogenesis

The reasons that trigger the autoimmune process are still debated, and there is no consensus. There is a connection with heredity, if relatives had similar diseases, then the risk of development increases.

In addition, specific genes in the HLA system have been discovered, tumor necrosis factor has been discovered, which is also associated with the occurrence of autoimmune arthritis.

A push to the beginning can serve as a long stay in the sun or a severe hypothermia, experienced stress or trauma. There is an opinion on the significant role of infectious agents, especially Epstein-Barr viruses, measles, cytomegalovirus, parvoviruses, and others.

Plasmocytes of the synovial membrane begin to produce immunoglobulins, in response, lymphocytes produce antibodies, the so-called rheumatoid factor (RF). Antibodies adhere to autoantigens, forming immune complexes.

They are deposited on the surface of cartilage, in connective tissue, attracting other cells (macrophages, fibroblasts, monocytes), and in turn, they release a large number of biologically active substances that change the chemical reaction.

All this leads to the development of inflammation first in small vessels (vasculitis), feeding the joint, and then the process extends to all tissues. The synovial membrane becomes permeable, edema develops, and later the growth of connective tissue, the destruction of cartilaginous and bone. The formation of a specific protein component - RF gave the name of the disease: autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis.

Clinical picture

Symptoms and manifestations depend on the form of the disease. It can be mono- (lesion of one joint) and polyarthritis (more than five). Typical for all species will be an inflammatory process:

• puffiness and hyperthermia of the skin at the site of injury;
• pain, especially when moving;
• stiffness, more pronounced in the morning hours or after a long period of rest;
• decreased mobility up to the development of contractures.

Autoimmune arthritis is affected by any joints, both small and large. Affected and upper, and lower limbs, and even the spine. The flow is undulating.

During the exacerbation, nonspecific manifestations may occur: fever, malaise, changes in appetite, weight loss, anemia, muscle pain.

Do some work, turn a person's head can hardly, the quality of life is greatly deteriorating. Pain syndrome leads to sleep disorders, depression, and changes in the psyche.

The more frequent attacks of exacerbation and shorter periods of remission, the more severe the disease, the faster disability occurs.

https://www.youtube.com/watc? = Re_Z1zxH0VU

Among autoimmune arthritis, the seropositive and seronegative forms are distinguished, in the first case, a specific protein, a rheumatoid factor, is found in the blood and synovial fluid, in the second case it does not. These forms differ according to the course and prognosis, in the absence of RF, the disease proceeds more favorably.

Development of the first attack	Slowly growing	Sharp beginning
Nonspecific manifestations of inflammation	May not be, or slightly expressed	Pronounced, significant overall hyperthermia
Symmetry	Yes	No, it starts with one joint, then others can join
Localization	Small, more often metacarpophalangeal, metatarsophalangeal, cervical	Large, often knee, ankle, hip
Stiffness in the mornings	Yes	It happens, but is short-lived
RF detection	Yes	No
The defeat of other organs	Often	Rarely
Forecast	Adverse	Favorable

Extra-articular manifestations

Since autoimmune arthritis is a systemic disease that involves all organism, it is not uncommon, especially with seropositive form, lesions of internal organs, skin, mucous membranes etc.

Most often, such manifestations speak of a generalized, aggressively developing version.

In some cases, it can begin not with arthritis, but internal organs and then it is very difficult to put the correct diagnosis, because the autoimmune process is masked for various pathologies of the lungs, heart, kidneys.

More often they arise around the joint. Similar nodules in pathomorphological examination are found in all organs and tissues. Accompanying the ailment of vasculitis (lesions of small blood vessels) can lead to eating disorders in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, up to necrosis and gangrene. Twenty percent of cases in patients with vision problems: scleritis, keratitis, glaucoma, uveitis, etc. There are similar complications due to inflammation of the choroid and the deposition of immune complexes and can lead to complete blindness.

From the heart are possible myocarditis and pericarditis. They usually flow with minimal symptoms, slight weakness and shortness of breath. Identify with a thorough examination.

The nervous system gives manifestations of neuritis, various "tunnel" syndromes, due to compression of nerves in places of inflammation and edema.

Pathologies of respiration (pleurisy, bronchiolitis), kidneys (amyloidosis) and gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, peptic ulcer) are very rare. They are more associated not with an autoimmune disease, but with the side effects of drugs used for treatment.

The rheumatologist is engaged in the observation of patients with arthritis, but do not forget to visit the doctors regularly: neurologist, ophthalmologist, therapist and carry out the necessary examination, even if you believe that no other there are no manifestations. After all, any complication is better to prevent than to deal with the consequences.

Diagnostics

Any medical examination begins with a careful collection of anamnesis, ascertaining the hereditary predisposition, complaints, clinical manifestations.

Interrogation of the patient helps to identify the characteristic signs: stiffness, acute or gradual onset, etc.

A thorough examination will allow you to see specific symptoms.

However, the decisive in the formulation of the diagnosis are laboratory studies:

1. UAC, OAM;
2. biochemical analyzes - C-reactive protein, sialic acids, fibrinogen, total protein, electrolytes;
3. immunological studies: detection of specific immunoglobulins and immune complexes;
4. determination in the blood and synovial fluid of the RF, antinuclear and tumor necrosis factor.

The activity and the degree of tissue damage can be determined by conducting X-ray diagnostics, computed tomography and MRI. As an accompanying ECG, ultrasound of internal organs are used.

Treatment of the disease

Therapy for autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis is life-long, because you can not completely get rid of the disease.

You can only stop the flow, avoid progression and prolong the patient's ability to work.

Hospitalization is indicated for exacerbation, as well as for complications. The treatment is comprehensive and includes:

• therapy by position;
• diet;
• basic drug support;
• symptomatic treatment;
• physiotherapy;
• Exercise therapy and massage;
• surgical methods;
• orthopedic assistance;
• sanatorium and resort rehabilitation.

Diet in autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis is recommended not only at the time of exacerbation, but also for permanent use. Excludes fatty, fried foods, alcoholic beverages, salt and sugar are limited.

Do not eat foods containing preservatives, dyes. Avoid marinades, smoked products, milk, citrus, corn, oatmeal. Rye bread, wheat porridge, fat meat (pork) are forbidden.

In acute period, treatment begins with symptomatic remedies that ease the patient's condition. These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nise, ibuklin, ketans), they relieve pain, stop inflammation, lower the temperature.

One of the side effects of taking this group of drugs is an irritant effect on the gastric mucosa and duodenal ulcer, leading to gastritis and peptic ulcer. Therefore, do not engage in self-medication, prolonged uncontrolled use of medication can lead to serious complications.

To enhance the effect of NSAIDs or in the case of their ineffectiveness, hormone therapy is prescribed. Glucocorticosteroids are used not only inward, but also injected directly into the joint.

The basis of long-term treatment are basic drugs - these are substances that affect the immune system and inhibit cell activity. Preparations (methotrexate, sandimmun, ridauro, plakvenil, kurrenil) belong to different groups, but all have a pronounced immunosuppressive effect.

In modern medicine, substances - blockers of tumor necrosis factor (remicade, rituxan) are widely used. They can be used in conjunction with basic, they give a quick and good effect.

Therapeutic physical exercises, gentle massage, acupuncture and physiotherapy are shown during the remission period. It is also recommended to rehabilitate and improve sanatoriums with radon, hydrogen sulfide, mineral baths and balneological resorts.

Treatment with folk remedies

Pain in the joints has been bothering people since ancient times, so the most effective recipes from generation to generation have been passed on to help fight the disease:

1. Take one tablespoon of powdered bay leaf, boil it with boiling water, boil for 10 minutes and allow to stand for at least eight hours. Use chilled and strained 2 tbsp. three times a day before meals.
2. Mix six tablespoons. crushed laurushki and 1 tbsp. juniper needles. Carefully rewind until it is chicken-like. Add twelve tablespoons. melted butter. Use as an ointment for rubbing.
3. On three parts of beet juice add the same juice of fresh cucumber and ten pieces of carrot. Stir, drink half a glass twice a day. Prepare juices immediately before use. You can add a teaspoon of honey.

Conclusion

No matter how good people's methods are, one should not rely only on them and neglect traditional medicine. After all, autoimmune arthritis is a serious, progressive disease that leads to disability. Do not forget to take regular medications and visit a doctor!

A source: http://lechsustavov.ru/artrit/autoimmunnyjj-artrit-simptomy-i-lechenie.html

Autoimmune arthritis: diagnosis, treatment

Diseases that affect the joints and other parts of the human musculoskeletal system are a real problem of modern medicine.

They not only significantly impair the quality of life due to chronic pain, but also cause loss of health and ability to work.

Correct diagnosis at an early stage of the disease will help to take the necessary measures. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is a very long process.

Autoimmune arthritis is the most common form of inflammation of joint disease. This disease is widespread among people older than 40 years. And the female part is exposed to it much more often than the male population.

Causes of the disease

In general, the disease proceeds gradually and unnoticed for the human body.

A person feels well for a long period, leads a normal life, while existing antibodies kill the bodies of their own tissues.

When a large accumulation of antibodies occurs, all of their components are damaged and inflammation of the joints begins.

Deformation and slow destruction of tissue components leads to their functional disruption or complete loss. At a later stage of the disease, other organs of life may be affected by arthritis: the kidneys, lungs, and the heart system.

To date, there are no specific etiological factors that stop the development of antibodies in arthritis. There are only two possible theories about the cause of the disease:

1. Genetic predisposition. The overall picture of arthritis at the genetic level is 15-30% of the total. This indicator of heredity can not be discounted.
2. The role of infectious agents. The viruses of Epstein-Barr antibodies in the blood are greatly increased. There is no direct evidence of the apparent effect of this virus today. Therefore, the entire scientific world tends to the existence of some other antibody of unknown origin.

The risk factors for getting this disease include injuries, hypothermia (supercooled state of the body) and other infectious components. Signs of beginning arthritis arise gradually.

If the restless condition of the joints does not go away, you should consult a doctor and take urgent measures.

Diagnosis of autoimmune (rheumatoid) arthritis

It is very important in the early stages of the disease to correctly diagnose the disease. Pathological processes of the immune system change occur several months before the obvious signs of the disease.

To establish the correct diagnosis and start treatment will help the results of synovial sheath biopsy.

Diagnosis is carried out in several stages:

1. Establish inflammation in more than 3 joints, where fluid can accumulate and swelling develop.
2. Determine symmetry (inflamed arthritis should be proportionally located on the same parts of the body).
3. Laboratory study of blood analysis and radiographic examination of joints for the presence of subcutaneous nodular.

Treatment of rheumatoid (autoimmune) arthritis

To treat arthritis is necessary in a complex. Along with general therapy, therapeutic physical training is necessary. At an early stage, the patient is prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Based on the results of many months of continuous treatment determine the further tactics of the use of these medicines. If there is a noticeable improvement in the patient's condition, then the treatment is correct. Arthritis can be won with the use of non-traditional folk remedies.

You can improve the plasticity of joints by carefully choosing effective treatment. This can take several months to a year.

Rheumatoid arthritis: treatment of folk medicine

Often, rheumatoid (autoimmune) arthritis is treated with folk remedies more efficiently than traditional medicine. There are many examples of this.

Treatment with folk remedies is aimed at restraining relapses and maintaining the joints in an elastic state. There are several widely applicable methods:

1. Not bad arthritis can be cured and with the help of crushed burdock root. Insist on a steam bath a teaspoon of root, filled with 500 ml of steep boiling water. The steamed tincture should be kept tightly wrapped until morning. During the day it is necessary to drink it all. Treatment does not stop for a week.
2. Grind the burdock leaves with a meat grinder and fill it with vodka, at the rate of 50 g of burdock per liter of vodka. Shake everything and put it in the cold. Apply every evening before bedtime to the affected areas. After several treatment sessions, the pain subsides, and sometimes disappears altogether.
3. For 100 g of sabelnik liter of vodka. Insist for two weeks in a dark place, periodically shaking. After the sludge, squeeze and strain. Take 30-40 ml for 1 hour before meals.
4. Compresses from raw potatoes.
5. Broths of bay leaf.
6. A mixture of freshly squeezed beetroot juice with vodka and honey.
7. Coniferous tincture on pine buds.

Rheumatoid (autoimmune) arthritis makes you change your lifestyle. Stiffness of the joints requires a good warm-up before the labor day. To further stimulate muscle tone, therapeutic exercise will be helpful.

Daily exercises will give elasticity to the joint parts and will be an excellent prevention of the disease. In the evening, the treatment with joint massage will be effective.

However, all recommendations for physical therapy and massage should be obtained from a rheumatologist.

Follow the advice of specialists, and arthritis will forever retreat from you.

Be sure to consult a doctor before treatment of illnesses. This will help to take into account individual tolerance, confirm the diagnosis, make sure the treatment is correct and exclude the negative interactions of the drugs. If you use prescriptions without consulting a doctor, it is entirely at your own risk. All information on the site is provided for informational purposes and is not a medical benefit. All responsibility for the application lies with you.

A source: http://artrozmed.ru/artrit/autoimmunnyj-artrit-diagnostika-i-lechenie-bolezni.html

Symptoms and Treatment of Autoimmune Arthritis

Immune diseases are considered to be among the most difficult in medicine, because it is often impossible to categorically state what caused the development of pathology. Autoimmune arthritis is no exception.

What is the peculiarity of this type of joint disease? What is included in the list of potential causes of its appearance? What are the symptoms for ailment? How is it diagnosed and treated? And what can be done to prevent autoimmune arthritis?

The causes of many failures in the functioning of the immune system still remain unidentified.

At some stage, immunity simply fails, stopping distinguishing "one's own" from "others" and directing antibodies to the body's cells to destroy them.

With the development of autoimmune arthritisimmunity "fights" with healthy bone-cartilage tissues, gradually destroying them.

Destructive process can last not a month or even two. Gradually, the antibodies accumulate, and only when their number begins to exceed a certain limit, inflammation begins in the joints.

The synovial fluid changes the composition and ceases to perform its functions - feeding the cartilages and lubricating the joint during movement.

As a result, the lost cartilage cartilage becomes thinner and becomes unsuitable to guarantee the joint normal functioning.

As a result, patients get serious problems - articulations deform, cease to bend and unbend. And throughout the development of pathology, a person experiences severe pain.

This autoimmune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, can deform the joints in a few months and spread to the "destruction" of other organs - the kidneys, the heart, the lungs.

If we consider the general picture, then autoimmune arthritis is placed in 1% of cases of treatment. Most often, patients come to the consultation after 16 years, but the peak of the disease falls on the 40-year-old age.

If effective treatment has not been carried out, then these people have a chanceAfter 7-10 years completely lose their ability to work and get a disability. Statistics show that there are many such cases - ¾ of the total number of patients who have been diagnosed with autoimmune arthritis.

Despite the fact that the causes of autoimmune arthritis remain unsettled, there are two most popular theories:

• genetics - poor heredity is diagnosed in 30% of patients who seek help with joint pain;
• infection - most often in the blood of patients detected Epstein-Barr virus, and although direct evidence cause-and-effect relationship of this virus and autoimmune arthritis is not present, this theory is also not discarded accounts.

In the list of causes should be added hypothermia and infectious diseases of various types that trigger the production of antibodies and become "provocateurs" of autoimmune arthritis. The negative impact of excessive physical exertion is also not excluded - the main reason that is typical for all types of arthritis.

Do not forget about injuries that are capable of provoking the development of the disease, as well as the negative impact of external factors (radiation, poisoning poisons). There is also a theory on which one of the reasons is the taking of individual medications.

Let's not ignore the fact that arthritis can develop due to constant stresses or problems with excess weight.

Symptoms of autoimmune arthritis by and large do not differ from those that are observed in other types of inflammatory joint diseases:

• stiffness in the joints, which occurs in the morning and passes an average of one hour after a person gives a certain strain on the joints - walks, lands, etc .;
• general deterioration of well-being: fast fatigue, weakness in the whole body, restless sleep with frequent awakenings, loss of appetite;
• joint pain and swelling, as well as fever.

One of the varieties of this pathology isRheumatoid autoimmune arthritis, whose treatment should also begin immediately, especially in cases where the skin formed seals, the so-called rheumatoid nodules.

However, for a long time a person may not experience even typical arthritic articular pain, so many come to see a doctor already when the disease has thoroughly worked on the cartilage and joints.

The exacerbations can be of a short-term nature and can be manifested in the form of minute attacks, and can also be delayed for several days.

If you notice that yourjoints do not work in the usual way, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Simple diagnosis will help to detect the disease in a timely manner and will give an opportunity to start its effective treatment.

Biochemical and immunological blood tests often give the first chance to suspect the development of pathology. With autoimmune arthritis, an increase in immunoglobulin is found, and rheumatoid tests in about 50% of cases are positive.

In addition, for the diagnosis of autoimmune arthritis, traditional methods are used such as:

• X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging, helping to see changes in tissues;
• a biopsy of the synovial fluid, demonstrating a violation of its composition.

The doctor's task is toconfirmation of inflammatory processes in at least three joints, accumulation of fluid in them and detection of puffiness. It is also important to note the presence of inflammation in the symmetrical joints.

Because of the complexity of determining the causes of the development of pathology, the first thing that efforts are directed at is the elimination of inflammatory processes.

For these purposes, the patientthe course of anti-inflammatory non-steroids is prescribed, which not only solve this problem, but also help get rid of pain.

Acceptance of any kind of medication should be agreed with the attending physician. The independent choice of medicines is inadmissible, because "doctors themselves" risk losing their last health leftovers, and in some cases - lives.

Treatment of autoimmune arthritis involves a set of activities, in which, in addition to taking medication, include:

• physiotherapy and massage procedures;
• Spa treatment;
• physiotherapy.

Available to modern medicine treatment tools can stop the pathology and eliminate the symptoms, but not the cause of the development of arthritis.

Many patients in the pursuit of "safe means of treating arthritis" make a big bet on traditional medicine.

Often, this error leads to disastrous consequences, because getting carried away with tinctures from the root of burdock, compresses from raw potatoes and decoctions of bay leaves, they lose valuable time.

Yes, prepared from herbs and products that are easy to detect in the refrigerator, harm the body hardly whether it is possible (if, of course, there is no allergy to the selected ingredients), but also of great benefit from such treatment is not will be. The maximum that it will be possible to make, to muffle the symptoms and to ease the condition for a short period of time.

Traditional medicine can be used as additional measures for the treatment of autoimmune arthritis, but only in consultation with the doctor.

It should be understood that cure for autoimmune arthritis will not be completely successful.

itA chronic disease that can only be stopped and controlled, but with the weakening of control all negative processes have excellent chances of renewal. This is why prevention plays a role in the fight against inflammatory arthritis.

If there is little to do with poor heredity, then reducing the likelihood of supercooling or stabilizing normal weight is a task that everyone can do.

Situations where a child instead of a full breakfast eats a pack of chips and drinks them with Coca-Cola, are unacceptable.

Adults can demonstrate the right way of life on a personal example - and it's not just about proper nutrition and regular exercise, but also about quitting smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Both children and adults will benefit from regular rest in specialized sanatoria, as well as:

• weight control and keeping it within normal limits;
• reduction of joint injuries, as well as mandatory thorough rehabilitation after surgery;
• diet compliance;
• not ignoring the inflammatory processes in the body, which can develop into a chronic form and provoke the development of autoimmune arthritis.

Remember that ignoring autoimmune arthritis means deliberately doomed to the life of a person with limited Therefore, at the first symptoms, immediately contact the clinic for diagnosis and timely treatment.

A source: https://medeok.ru/artrit/simptomy-i-lechenie-autoimmunnogo-artrita

Autoimmune disease of arthritis: pathogenesis, etiology, therapy

Autoimmune arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects connective tissue structures and joints.

This pathology develops as a result of the aggressive reaction of the immune system to the tissues of the body itself and often leads to severe complications, up to the disability of the patient.

Brief description of the disease

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by the active accumulation of aggressive antibodies leading to the destruction of articular and connective tissue structures. The attack of immune cells provokes the development of inflammatory processes in the affected joints, which leads to subsequent deformation and disturbances in normal functioning.

The disease can occur in both acute and chronic forms. The latter is considered the most dangerous, since the patient, as a rule, notices pathological changes and seeks help from a specialist already when the disease is in a serious, neglected form.

According to statistical data, the pathology presented to the greatest extent are the representatives of the fair sex in the age group over 40 years. However, this insidious disease can, for unknown reasons, amaze young people.

Causes of pathology

To date, the exact causes of diseases of an autoimmune nature have not been studied. Therefore, for etiologic rheumatoid arthritis, too, remains a mystery.

According to experts, the following factors can provoke failures in the immune system and, accordingly, the development of autoimmune arthritis:

• nervous disorders, frequent stressful situations and psychoemotional shocks;
• increased susceptibility to allergic reactions, especially occurring in chronic form;
• genetic predisposition;
• violations of the exchange processes;
• overweight;
• smoking;
• hormonal disorders;
• alcohol abuse;
• diseases of a viral and infectious nature;
• presence of chronic infectious foci (caries, tonsillitis, etc.);
• radiation;
• frequent and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
• severe hypothermia;
• long-term and uncontrolled use of certain medications.

In women, this pathology often develops against the background of changes in the hormonal background caused by pregnancy, the onset of menopause, etc.

How does the pathology manifest itself?

The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis begins with the defeat of the joint tissues, a violation of their mobility and elasticity, the appearance of paroxysmal pain. As a rule, the pathological process affects first of all large joints.

According to the doctor, in general, rheumatoid autoimmune arthritis is characterized by the following painful symptoms:

• sensation of articulate stiffness, manifested, mainly in the morning hours;
• increased local and general body temperature;
• joint pain;
• puffiness in the area of ​​affected joints;
• general weakness, malaise;
• increased fatigue;
• sleep disorders;
• a permanent lack of appetite;
• the appearance of specific rheumatoid nodular neoplasms;
• heart rhythm disorder;
• muscle weakness;
• sharp weight loss;
• violations of joint functions;
• deformation of affected joints;
• inflammation and enlargement of the lymph nodes.

In the absence of full-fledged, timely treatment, the disease progresses, gradually hitting not only the joints, but also the heart, kidneys, and other internal organs. It is for this reason that it is so important to identify pathology and begin to fight it at the earliest stages.

What is dangerous pathology?

Rheumatic arthritis of an autoimmune character not only affects articular tissues, but also has a very negative effect on the condition of internal organs. With a long course of the pathological process, the following accompanying diseases begin to appear in the patient:

• peripheral neuropathy;
• pulmonary pathologies;
• gastritis;
• hepatitis;
• disorders in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• kidney pathologies;
• inflammatory disorders of blood vessels;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• osteoporosis;
• violations in the work of the visual apparatus, the manifestation of ophthalmic diseases;
• skin rashes;
• Dermatological diseases;
• atherosclerosis;
• fragility of bone tissue and, as a consequence, an increased tendency to fracture.

Thus, autoimmune arthritis gradually destroys the entire body of the patient from within, which can lead not only to disability, but also to death.

Therefore, when the first clinical signs characteristic of this disease appear, it is necessary to immediately seek help from a specialist and begin complex treatment.

Diagnostic measures

In the diagnosis of autoimmune arthritis, the study of the characteristic clinical symptomatology, the analysis of the collected anamnesis and complaints of the patient itself is of great importance. In addition, patients are assigned the following types of studies:

1. Biochemical examination of blood.
2. Magnetic resonance imaging.
3. Radiography.
4. Immunological examination of blood.
5. CT scan.
6. Biopsy and laboratory examination of fluid in synovial articular membranes.

Such a comprehensive diagnosis gives the specialist the opportunity not only to accurately identify the disease, but also to assess the severity of the pathological process and lesions articular tissue structures, in addition, clarification of the presence or absence of concomitant complications is necessary to develop an adequate, effective therapeutic course.

Medication Therapy

Effective control of autoimmune arthritis consistently includes a course of drug therapy. In most cases, patients suffering from this pathology are prescribed the following medications:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, whose action is aimed at eliminating pain, cessation of inflammatory processes. These drugs weaken the painful symptoms and temporarily improve the patient's condition, but can not stop joint destruction.
2. Preparations of glucocorticosteroid type - contribute to the suppression of inflammatory processes.
3. Anti-inflammatory drugs of a basic nature - the action is directed not only to suppress inflammatory reactions, but also to slow down the processes of destruction of articular tissues.
4. Immunosuppressants - drugs that have an overwhelming effect on the immune system, which also reduces the intensity of destruction of joint, connective and synovial tissues.

Medications used in autoimmune arthritis are characterized by a wide range of undesirable reactions (especially for basic drugs), therefore, prescribe any medicines, determine their dosage and the optimal duration of treatment should only be a specialist in an individual order.

The use of physiotherapy and surgical methods

Complex treatment of autoimmune arthritis includes such a technique as physiotherapy. In most cases, patients with rheumatic arthritis are recommended to perform the following physiotherapy procedures:

1. Magnetotherapy.
2. Electrophoresis with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
3. Irradiation of affected joints with ultraviolet radiation.
4. Laser therapy.
5. Cryotherapy.

Massage and exercise therapy also have a good therapeutic effect, but resort to these techniques is recommended only when the main manifestations of inflammatory processes are completely eliminated.

Modern specialists apply, in addition, two innovative methods to combat autoimmune arthritis:

1. Plasmaphoresis is a procedure aimed at removing blood plasma with the so-called rheumatoid factors. In this case, the patient is administered a portion of the donor plasma, which contributes to its renewal.
2. X-ray therapy - a procedure that is irradiation of affected joints with X-rays, helps to suppress aggressive immune cells that are destructively affecting the joint tissues.

Introduction of diet therapy

Compliance with the rules of dietary nutrition is an invariable condition for the successful fight against autoimmune arthritis. Patients suffering from this disease must exclude from their diet the following products:

• canned food;
• semi-finished products;
• alcoholic beverages;
• fats of animal origin;
• coffee drinks;
• salt;
• smoked products;
• red meat;
• bakery products;
• wheat and oatmeal;
• pork;
• chocolate;
• milk;
• citrus fruit.

To improve the functional state of the joint tissues in the daily diet of a patient with diagnosed rheumatic arthritis, the following products must necessarily be included:

• fruit;
• greenery;
• a fish;
• fresh vegetables;
• egg white;
• dairy and sour-milk products;
• buckwheat;
• pearl barley.

In addition, eat small amounts recommended to avoid weight gain, because extra pounds have a negative effect on the joints and can provoke an aggravation of the autoimmune arthritis.

How to protect yourself from the development of the disease?

Treatment of autoimmune arthritis is a complex and lengthy process, so it will be much wiser to take care to protect yourself from this pathology. To prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis will help the following extremely simple recommendations of specialists:

1. Refuse to smoke.
2. Do not abuse alcoholic beverages.
3. Avoid hypothermia.
4. In time, treat diseases of a viral and infectious nature.
5. Avoid stressful situations.
6. A balanced and balanced diet.
7. Keep track of the body weight, in time getting rid of excess kilograms.
8. To lead an active, mobile way of life.
9. 2 times a week to engage in physical therapy, aimed at improving joint mobility and elasticity.

Autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that, in the absence of timely treatment, affects not only the joints, but virtually all the organs and systems of the patient. To successfully combat this pathology, an integrated and systematic approach to treatment is important.

As a rule, the therapeutic course includes such areas as medical treatment, physiotherapy procedures, diet therapy and exercise therapy.

Competent treatment allows to achieve persistent, long-term remission and to stop the further development of the pathological process.

A source: https://OrtoCure.ru/kosti-i-sustavy/artrit/autoimmunnoe-zabolevanie-artrit.html

Symptoms and Treatment of Autoimmune Arthritis

Diseases of the joints have become the most problematic for a person, and autoimmune arthritis, as the main representative of this complex, greatly affects the quality of life of the patient.

Timely diagnostics and competent methods of treatment can prevent serious complications and the development of disability.

A person must clearly follow the doctor's instructions and further monitor their health.

Rheumatoid arthritis: features and causes

Pathologies of rheumatoid type are similar in nature of origin. One of the most prominent representatives is arthritis with a distinctly expressed autoimmune course.

According to the age category of people, the disease is actively manifested after 60 years.

The defeat of people occurs at the age of 35-40 years and actively progresses through 10-20 years, often the deviation leads to disability.

Autoimmune disease means that the blood lymphocyte cells, whose main task is to fight viruses, begin to attack body tissues and joints. The main causes contributing to the development of ailment are:

• Hereditary preconditions for the disease. If relatives have manifestations of ailment, then the risk of development increases several times.
• Attack of the body with infectious diseases. This significantly reduces the defenses of the body and provides a good basis for the progression of the disease. These include ARVI, sore throats, measles, herpes.
• Allergic manifestations.
• Frequent injury to the joint, systematic supercooling.
• Strong psychoemotional overstrain.
• The state of the environment and hormonal imbalance.

Characteristic symptoms that signal the development of pathology

With rheumatoid arthritis there is a certain specificity of the clinical picture. Main features:

• In the first place, the disease affects the fingers. Begins the development of arthritis from the joints of the hands: primarily fingers and wrists.
• Symmetrical basis. Both limbs are affected by the same joints.
• Strong painful manifestations develop, which are activated at night. In the morning, the pain worries, towards evening it ceases and returns with renewed vigor at night.
• In the primary stage, the pain syndrome is removed with active exercises, but this ceases to help over time.
• The disease starts from the small joints and gradually affects the joints of a larger diameter.
• Stiffness of movement after awakening. Usually passes a few hours after sleep, and in the later stages does not recede even in the evening.
• Seals are formed in the articular region, which are used to manifest and disappear.
• In the process of development, rheumatoid arthritis leads to distortion of joints and poor blood supply in them. Over time, this causes the death of muscle joints and the termination of functioning of affected areas.

The main diagnostic measures for autoimmune arthritis

An important stage in the fight against pathology is the timely diagnosis. First, a biopsy of the synovium is performed. The research requires:

• To fix the development of pathology in 3 different joints, where fluid accumulates, and swelling is manifested.
• Check the symmetry order. Arthritis carries the obligatory symmetrical order of manifestation.
• Confirm the development of subcutaneous nodules by laboratory blood tests and radiography of the joint.

Successful treatment and a set of procedures

Drug therapy for the elimination of disease

Basic medical tactics are intended to get rid of the root cause of development, and not symptomatology of manifestation.

Therefore, if the disease is accompanied by severe pain, treatment can be a lot of inconvenience.

However, the basic techniques are very effective in dealing with the problem, the main groups of drugs include:

• Preparations with gold content, have a number of contraindications should be followed by the doctor's recommendations. Preparations of gold. Actively applied for 8 decades. Effectively used in cases of early stage of the disease with pronounced symptoms (pain attacks, seals), when anti-inflammatory methods do not help.

  This group of drugs is dangerous development of "golden" dermatitis - the inflammatory process of all mucous membranes.

• Immunosuppressive drugs. They cause targeted inhibition of the body's immune forces. Many people are afraid to use drugs of this category, because they are used in oncotherapy. However, due to the small dosage, the development of side symptoms is insignificant, and the efficacy is high.
• Antimalarial drugs that used to be used only to fight malaria. Are capable to reduce inflammatory processes in tissues of a joint at long application. The results of their use are not so good, but the side effects are insignificant than those of the rest.
• Sulfonamides. Antibacterial drugs, well tolerated by patients, with no noticeable side effects.

How important is diet food?

Autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis requires compliance with dietary intake, as some products can enhance inflammatory processes in the affected joints.

These include: pork, citrus, corn, wheat, dairy products.

Patients recommend the use of seafood, fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamins, as well as eggs of chicken (quail), porridge (pearl, buckwheat).

The role of physiotherapeutic procedures for arthritis

Widely used in the treatment of ail physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy is used after the elimination of clinical manifestations of the disease, because they have a stimulating effect on the joints and prevent negative changes.

Often resorted to phonophoresis, diathermy, UHF, ozocerite and paraffin therapy, infrared radiation. Efficiency also shows therapeutic mud therapy and sanatorium-and-spa therapy.

Activities are appointed by the treating specialist after studying the changes in the clinical picture.

What do the people's councils offer?

Treatment of arthritis is most effectively supplemented with the help of folk practices, as they struggle with possible relapses of pathology. In medicine, there are many such examples, and doctors are happy to practice folk therapy. Frequently used funds include:

• tincture of burdock;
• packs with raw potatoes;
• decoctions of laurel leaves;
• a mixture of beetroot juice with honey and vodka;
• coniferous tincture of pine buds.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease that causes severe pain and joint deformities.

Ultimately, the development of the disease can paralyze the joints, which will lead to disability.

The primary stage in the fight against arthritis is its timely diagnosis, because at an early stage it is easier to cope with it than with a vivid clinical picture.

A source: http://EtoSustav.ru/vospalenia/formy/autoimmunnyj-artrit.html