Patient Education
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Information
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a disease of blood vessels, may occur together with polymyalgia rheumatica.
- GCA occurs only in older adults, mainly those over age of 50, and can cause swelling and thickening of the small artery under the skin called the temporal artery.
- A new, persisting headache is a common symptom of GCA. Symptoms of GCA promptly improve with corticosteroids.
- If GCA affects blood flow to the eye, loss of vision can occur. Prompt detection and treatment of GCA can prevent loss of vision.
In an older adult, a new, persisting headache — especially if together with flu-like symptoms, unexplained fatigue (tiredness) or fevers — can be due to an illness called giant cell arteritis, also known as GCA. It is a disease of the blood vessels that can occur together with polymyalgia rheumatica polymyalgia rheumatica (also called PMR).
Source: American College of Rheumatology
Information
- Taking a glucocorticoid medication (sometimes called corticosteroids) for treatment of inflammatory arthritis or other health problem may weaken your bones.
- If you take an equivalent doss of prednisone at greater than 7.5 mg per day for greater than 3 months, you are risk for glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis and should to your doctor about it.
- Daily calcium and vitamin D supplements can help prevent loss of bone mass. Calcium alone is not effective.
- A rheumatologist can advise about other treatment options.
Taking a glucocorticoid medication (sometimes called corticosteroids) for treatment of inflammatory arthritis or other health problem may weaken your bones. This, in turn, can lead to osteoporosis. The good news is there are ways you can protect your bones while taking glucocorticoid medicine.
Source: American College of Rheumatology
Information
- Intensely painful, swelling joints (most often in the big toe or other part of the foot) and/or bouts of arthritis that come and go may indicate gout.
- Finding the characteristic crystals in the fluid of joints allows health care providers to correctly diagnose gout.
- Gout treatments exist, but therapy should be tailored for each person. Treatment choices depend on kidney function, other health problems, personal preferences and other factors.
- Patients may need medications to lower their elevated blood uric acid levels that predispose to gout. The goal is a uric acid level less than 6 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
- There are two types of medicine for gout. For control of acute attacks of joint pain, there are NSAIDs, colchicine and corticosteroids. After gout flares have resolved, there are medications that can lower the level of uric acid over time in order to prevent or lessen attacks.
- Lifestyle changes such as controlling weight, limiting alcohol intake and limiting meals with meats and fish rich in purines also can help control gout.
Gout is a painful and potentially disabling form of arthritis that has been around since ancient times. It is sometimes referred to as the “disease of kings,” because people long have incorrectly linked it to the kind of overindulgence in food and wine only the rich and powerful could afford. In fact, gout can affect anyone, and its risk factors vary.
The first symptoms usually are intense episodes of painful swelling in single joints, most often in the feet, especially the big toe. The swollen site may be red and warm. Fifty percent of first episodes occur in the big toe, but any joint can be involved. Fortunately, it is possible to treat gout and reduce its very painful attacks by avoiding food and medication triggers and by taking medicines that can help. However, diagnosing gout can be hard, and treatment plans often must be tailored for each person.
Source: American College of Rheumatology
Information
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) – GPA – is serious but treatable. To prevent complications, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential.
- The cause of GPA is unknown.
- GPA often affects the sinuses, lungs and kidneys, and can lead to kidney failure.
- Recurrences of this form of vasculitis are common. While disease relapses frequently occur, early detection and treatment can lessen the potential for serious organ injury.
- Significant side effects of medications used to treat GPA can be minimized with preventive strategies.
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's), also known as GPA, is a rare blood vessel disease. It can cause symptoms in the sinuses, lungs and kidneys as well as other organs. This is a complex and potentially serious disease. However, with prompt diagnosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis can be treated effectively.
Source: American College of Rheumatology
