Arthritis Q&A
November 13, 2001 | 12:00am
Q1 . Can arthritis kill? Can it shorten the life of afflicted persons?
Most of the arthritides are associated with "extraarticular manifestations." These are clinical problems present in other internal organs that make patients ill.
Examples are:
Lung diseases in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
Kidney diseases in systemic lupus erythematosus and gout
The presence of the above-mentioned illnesses may increase the morbidity and mortality of the affected persons. Direct joint damage to cervical spine increases the risk of spinal cord compression. Involvement of the joint responsible for air entry to the lungs may lead a patient to develop upper airway obstruction. Side effects of drugs used in the management of a rheumatic patient may also contribute some unwanted outcomes. Proper consultation and judicious usage of drugs may minimize these complications.
Q2 . What are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are drugs that reduce pain, fever, swelling, and redness of joints of patients with arthritis. These drugs are available in different forms and different chemical structures. The older NSAIDs are potent but may cause gastrointestinal problems, kidney disease and bleeding tendencies.
The newer NSAIDs called COX-2 specific inhibitors are modified, have lesser side effects and are the preferred prescription drugs today. An example of an old NSAID is aspirin and an example of a COX-2 specific inhibitor is rofecoxib with a brand name Vioxx.
Q3 . What are disease modifying drugs?
Disease modifying drugs are drugs that try to stop, modify, hinder, alter, and delay the rapid destruction of joints in patients with progressive arthritides. These are potent drugs that may also be used in oncology and are associated with a number of side effects. They are also known as slow acting anti-rheumatic drugs because some are effective only after six months of intake.
Dr. Perry P. Tan is a rheumatologist, founder and head of the Rayuma Klinik of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) and consultant at St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Most of the arthritides are associated with "extraarticular manifestations." These are clinical problems present in other internal organs that make patients ill.
Examples are:
Lung diseases in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
Kidney diseases in systemic lupus erythematosus and gout
The presence of the above-mentioned illnesses may increase the morbidity and mortality of the affected persons. Direct joint damage to cervical spine increases the risk of spinal cord compression. Involvement of the joint responsible for air entry to the lungs may lead a patient to develop upper airway obstruction. Side effects of drugs used in the management of a rheumatic patient may also contribute some unwanted outcomes. Proper consultation and judicious usage of drugs may minimize these complications.
Q2 . What are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are drugs that reduce pain, fever, swelling, and redness of joints of patients with arthritis. These drugs are available in different forms and different chemical structures. The older NSAIDs are potent but may cause gastrointestinal problems, kidney disease and bleeding tendencies.
The newer NSAIDs called COX-2 specific inhibitors are modified, have lesser side effects and are the preferred prescription drugs today. An example of an old NSAID is aspirin and an example of a COX-2 specific inhibitor is rofecoxib with a brand name Vioxx.
Q3 . What are disease modifying drugs?
Disease modifying drugs are drugs that try to stop, modify, hinder, alter, and delay the rapid destruction of joints in patients with progressive arthritides. These are potent drugs that may also be used in oncology and are associated with a number of side effects. They are also known as slow acting anti-rheumatic drugs because some are effective only after six months of intake.
Dr. Perry P. Tan is a rheumatologist, founder and head of the Rayuma Klinik of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) and consultant at St. Luke’s Medical Center.
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