Arthritis Can Lead to Disability: Doctor

Arthritis Can Lead to Disability: Doctor
By Nuch Sarita, VOA Khmer
Washington
16 July 2008


Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disease that can cause the
bodies immune system to attack the joints, can lead to disability, a
doctor said Monday.

"Your immune system protects your body against foreign invaders such
as bacteria, fungi and viruses, but with rheumatoid arthritis, the
immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between these
foreign invaders and the normal cells of the body," said Dr. Taing Tek
Hong, as a guest on "Hello VOA."

Swelling, pain, stiffness, redness, and a warm sensation on the joints
are signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, he said, adding that
the disease can strike any joint in the body.

Rheumatoid arthritis can last for years, and patients may experience
long periods without symptoms, he said. Rheumatoid arthritis is a
progressive illness that has the potential to cause joint destruction
and functional disability.

A listener from Kampong Cham said he had a chronic pain in his knees
and his wrists for 10 years. He wanted to know how to get rid of the
arthritis.

"The degree of rheumatoid arthritis varies from patient to patient,"
Taing Tek Hong said.

Patients with a disease that has quieted after years of activity can
be managed with rest, pain and anti-inflammatory medications alone.
Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, and Motrin are examples anti-inflammatory
drugs that can reduce tissue inflammation, pain, and swelling.

Most patients require more aggressive second-line drugs, in addition
to anti-inflammatory agents. Sometimes these second-line drugs are
used in combination. In some patients with severe joint deformity,
surgery may be necessary.

Corticosteroid medications can be given orally or injected directly
into tissues and joints.

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