Symptoms such as joint swelling, pain, stiffness, limitation of movement, muscle weakness and fatigue are common in inflammatory rheumatism. However, inflammatory rheumatism can also affect internal organs and cause problems in organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys and skin. This may increase the severity of the disease and adversely affect quality of life. With early diagnosis, appropriate treatment plan and regular follow-up, the effects of inflammatory rheumatism can be controlled and symptoms can become manageable.
How is inflammatory joint rheumatism treated?
Inflammatory joint rheumatism (rheumatoid arthritis) is a chronic disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach and many different methods are used in the treatment process. Here are the approaches commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory joint rheumatism:
- There are medications used to stop the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and relieve symptoms. Drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirematic drugs are often used in treatment.
- Physical therapy is applied to increase joint mobility, improve muscle strength and relieve pain. Methods such as exercise programs, heat/cold applications, massage and electrotherapy can be used.
- Specific exercises and movement programs are important to support joint health, strengthen muscles and increase joint mobility. Exercises to be performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist are recommended.
- A healthy, balanced diet can help reduce the inflammatory process and support overall health. Foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fruits and vegetables are preferred.
- Proper rest and sleep during periods of illness supports the body’s healing process. Stress management techniques, relaxation exercises and psychological support are also important.
- In advanced cases, surgical intervention may be required in the treatment of inflammatory joint rheumatism. Surgical options can be considered in cases of joint damage, deformities or limitation of movement.
The treatment plan is individualized based on the patient’s symptoms, disease progression, and other health factors. The rheumatologist manages the patient’s treatment process and determines the appropriate treatment options. With early diagnosis, regular follow-up and appropriate treatment, the symptoms of inflammatory joint rheumatism can be controlled and the quality of life can be increased.
What happens if inflammatory joint rheumatism is not treated?
If inflammatory joint rheumatism is not treated, serious complications may occur and the patient’s quality of life may be adversely affected. Here are the possible consequences of untreated inflammatory joint rheumatism:
- Joint Damage: Inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis leads to chronic inflammation of the joints. Prolonged inflammation can cause damage to joint tissues. This damage can lead to joint deformities, bone erosion, and severe impairment of joint function.
- Movement Restriction: Inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can limit joint mobility due to joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. If left untreated, this limitation of movement can progress and negatively affect daily activities.
- Internal Organ Influence: Some inflammatory joint rheumatism can also affect the internal organs. For example, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause problems with internal organs such as the kidneys, lungs, heart. If left untreated, damage to internal organs can progress and cause serious health problems.
- Decline in Quality of Life: Inflammatory joint rheumatism can affect daily life with symptoms such as pain, fatigue and stiffness. Left untreated, symptoms can become severe and lead to a decline in quality of life. Consequences such as loss of workforce, loss of independence and psychological effects may occur.
For these reasons, it is important for patients diagnosed with inflammatory joint rheumatism to undergo regular follow-up and treatment. With an appropriate treatment plan and early intervention, symptoms can be controlled, joint damage and internal organ involvement can be prevented, and the patient’s quality of life can be improved. Compliance with the treatment, sticking to the doctor’s recommendations and regular check-ups are important to reduce possible complications.
Does inflammatory rheumatism kill?
Inflammatory rheumatism (such as rheumatoid arthritis) is a serious chronic disease, but usually does not directly cause death. However, untreated or not effectively managed rheumatoid arthritis can lead to long-term complications and severely affect health. These may include:
- Internal Organ Influence: Inflammatory rheumatism can also affect the internal organs in some cases. For example, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect internal organs such as the kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain. Damage to internal organs can lead to serious health problems and even death.
- Heart diseases: Inflammatory rheumatism can damage the heart vessels and heart muscle. This can increase the risk of heart disease and cause serious complications such as heart attack and heart failure.
- Immunosuppression and Infections: Some rheumatism medications control inflammation by suppressing the immune system. However, suppressing the immune system can make you more vulnerable to infections. Serious infections can be life-threatening in untreated conditions.
- Mismanagement and Complications: Inflammatory rheumatism is a disease that requires proper management and treatment. If the treatment plan is not followed or the treatment is inadequate, the symptoms may be exacerbated and the risk of complications may increase.
For these reasons, it is important for individuals diagnosed with inflammatory rheumatism to undergo regular follow-up and appropriate treatment. A specialist rheumatologist will monitor the patient’s condition, provide appropriate medications and treatment plan, and try to reduce the risk of complications. With early diagnosis, effective treatment and regular controls, the effects of inflammatory rheumatism can be controlled and the quality of life can be improved.
Does inflammatory rheumatism affect the heart?
Yes, some types of rheumatoid arthritis can affect the heart. In particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause various effects on the heart and vessels. Rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause inflammation of the pericardial lining, called pericarditis. This condition can manifest itself with symptoms such as pain in the pericardium, back pain, and shortness of breath.
Some types of inflammatory rheumatism, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, can cause heart muscle diseases called cardiomyopathy. In this case, the function of the heart muscle may be affected and the risk of heart failure may increase. Rheumatoid arthritis and some other rheumatic diseases can lead to inflammation of the vessel walls and the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This can lead to narrowing of the heart vessels and an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Some types of inflammatory rheumatism can cause damage to the heart valves. For example, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to thickening and hardening of the valves and heart valve failure. These effects may vary depending on factors such as the severity and duration of the disease and the response to treatment. Heart involvement is tried to be minimized with early diagnosis, regular follow-up and appropriate treatment. The rheumatologist evaluates the effects on the heart and determines the appropriate treatment plan for the patient. Monitoring of heart health, regular controls and necessary tests are important in terms of heart involvement.
What happens if forbidden foods are eaten for inflammatory rheumatism?
For rheumatoid arthritis patients, the consumption of certain foods can trigger symptoms or increase the inflammatory process. Each individual’s response may be different, but in general, consumption of the following foods may exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms:
- Inflammatory fats such as trans fats, hydrogenated oils and saturated fats can increase the inflammatory process. Fast food products, fried foods and processed snacks containing such fats should not be consumed.
- Processed foods often contain ingredients like trans fats, artificial additives, and high fructose corn syrup. These ingredients can increase inflammation. Foods such as processed meats, chips, instant desserts and ice cream should be limited.
- Consumption of high amounts of refined sugar and artificial sweeteners can increase the inflammatory process in the body. Sugary drinks, sugar-sweetened snacks and desserts should be consumed in moderation.
- Some rheumatoid arthritis patients may have gluten intolerance or sensitivity. In this case, consumption of gluten-containing foods such as wheat, barley, and rye can aggravate symptoms. Gluten-free alternatives can be preferred instead of gluten-containing cereals.
- Alcohol consumption can increase inflammation and negatively affect the immune system. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should limit their alcohol consumption or ideally avoid it altogether.
These foods do not need to be completely banned, but people known to trigger symptoms are advised to limit their consumption or avoid them altogether. Each individual’s response may be different, so personal experience and doctor’s recommendations should be considered. It may be helpful to consult with a nutritionist or rheumatologist for an appropriate diet plan.