Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic, progressive, autoimmune disease that preferentially attacks the joints. Because it is a systemic condition, it may also affect the eyes, skin, lungs, blood, and central nervous system.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 2.1 million Americans and though there is no cure, there are medicines that are currently available that can put the condition into remission.
The combination that seems to work the best for most patients is to use both methotrexate, a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), along with a TNF-inhibitor. These are drugs that block the effect of tumor necrosis factor, a protein that is largely responsible for the inflammation and destruction seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Examples of these drugs are etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), and adalimumab (Humira).
Because of the mode of action of these drugs which is to interfere with immune function, there has been concern regarding side effects. Chief among these side-effects is infection.
There is an increased incidence of infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis by itself. Certain factors such as severe disease, diabetes, involvement of organ systems besides the joints, chronic lung disease, and older age all contribute to this increased risk.
In addition, concomitant use of corticosteroids such as prednisone also appear to […]
Full Article At: KnowHow-Now.com Articles
The importance of dental and oral health cannot be overemphasized. Not only does the mouth act as the gateway for food and drink to enter the body, but it may also provide an entrance for harmful microorganisms and infections if not properly cared for. In fact, studies have shown that proper oral hygiene is instrumental in promoting good overall health. On the other hand, it has also been demonstrated that many health issues can have negative effects on dental and oral health.Because dental health is associated by many people with trips to the dentist’s office, special toothpastes, mouthwash, and other products, it is all too easy to see oral health as something separate and removed from the well-being of the rest of the body. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is a very strong link between the condition of mouth and the rest of the body, so much so that the mouth can often act as an early warning system for problems elsewhere in the body.Cardiovascular DiseaseGum disease vs. cardiovascular disease - which one sounds more serious? Although many people would say the latter without hesitation, studies show that having gum disease can actually increase the risk of […]
Full Article At: KnowHow-Now.com Articles
A study performed by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) found that 322,975 women and 61,646 men chose to undergo liposuction in 2003 making it the most popular cosmetic surgery undertaken during that same year. Liposuction can be highly effective in contouring the shape of the body by removing fat which is deposited at specific sites.
Prior to choosing to undergo liposuction it is important to understand whether or not you are a potential candidate and also to understand what to reasonably expect from the results of liposuction.
Not everyone is a candidate for liposuction. You should be a healthy adult not having diabetes, heart/circulation conditions or any type of infection. Also provide your surgeon with a complete medical history and information concerning your lifestyle. Inform them of any medical conditions and allergies that you may have. Be sure to let them know of medications, vitamins and supplements that you are currently taking as well as any alcohol, drug and/or tobacco use. Finally, inform your surgeon of any current/past medical treatments and what previous surgeries you have undergone.
In order to gain a set of reasonable expectations about the results following this procedure, it may be helpful to […]
Full Article At: KnowHow-Now.com Articles
