Therapy (guidelines)

There are some guidelines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. They are all based on the treatment of the complaints and symptoms with the so-called DMARD (“disease modifying antirheumatic drug”) treatment. # DMARD treatment means an anti-inflammatory drug treatment with a non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drug such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, and a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment.

These include cortisone, which usually makes up a large part of the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. The Leiltinie stipulates that treatment with an anti-inflammatory drug and with cortisone in combination should be started immediately when the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is considered certain. Treatment should only be given under close supervision.

The goal should be to reduce the disease activity as quickly as possible. If necessary, the drug treatment must be adjusted. Cortisone preparations should be started with a low initial dosage as the starting dose.

If there is no rapid improvement of the symptoms, the medication should be quickly increased. DMARD treatment also includes the drug Methotrexate, which is also used and helps to suppress the immune system.If the treatment with a DMARD does not achieve the desired success, a supplementary treatment with a so-called biological should be started. If symptoms improve under the individual or combined treatment, consideration should be given to gradually reducing the medication.

However, it may be necessary to retain a certain amount of basic medication in order to maximize the chances of an early relapse. In addition to these medications, the anti-inflammatory drug Enbrel® can also lead to an alleviation of the symptoms. The so-called biologicals have been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis for several years now.

This term is used to describe biotechnologically produced drugs. In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, synthetically produced antibodies are mainly used to counteract the overactive immune system that causes the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. This includes adalimumab, also known under the trade name Humira.

These so-called biologicals, which are also used for other diseases, are very expensive drugs. Since they would not reach their destination if taken in tablet form, they are administered in the form of an injection. In most cases, the drugs are injected into the muscle in the form of a depot syringe.

A booster is given every few weeks or months. As a rule, the drugs are well tolerated. Methotrexate (MTX) is an antagonist of folic acid and inhibits a specific receptor.

The drug is used in the treatment of cancer as well as autoimmune diseases. It ensures that the excessive immune system is throttled and thus rheumatic attacks are reduced in their intensity or even do not occur at all. In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate is used when ibuprofen or diclofenac or cortisone do not lead to an improvement to the desired extent.

MTX can be taken in tablet form or injected. While taking MTX, blood values should be checked regularly and if there are any abnormalities, the dose should be changed or the methotrexate discontinued. MTX is generally well tolerated by patients.

However, there are some side effects that should be considered. These include increased susceptibility to infections, pulmonary fibrosis, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, blood count changes, kidney and bladder damage, and inflammation of the mucous membranes. In rare cases, the central nervous system may also be affected.

If methotrexate is taken, pregnancy must have been ruled out beforehand. The drug is prescribed by a rheumatologist. There are also some naturopathic approaches to rheumatoid arthritis that can be given at least as a supplement to conventional medicine.

In recent years, naturopathic approaches are increasingly being used. Naturopathic substances should always be given parallel to the conventional medicine. This combination ensures that the effect of conventional medicine is improved, but also that the side effects of these drugs can be reduced.

Hydrotherapy has long been used in the accompanying treatment of rheumatism. One understands by it a bath therapy as well as also the well-known Kneipp therapy. Also treatments with healing mud (fango) and cold and warm casts are used in hydrotherapy.

They ensure that rheumatic attacks occur less frequently and heal faster after they occur. The intensity of rheumatic attacks is also reduced under hydrotherapy. The correct nutrition is also part of the naturopathic treatment.

Above all, it should contain little meat and fat and plenty of fish. All products that are rich in arachidonic acid and omega 3 fatty acids are very suitable for a diet that counteracts rhematoid arthritis. Also chamfered is always cited when it comes to the effects of nutrition on the development of rheumatism. A previous medical consultation is important. A chamfering beginning should be weighed out exactly.