Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - North Mississippi - (Page 45)
How to recognize it: “Arthritis is a common sign,”
Lockshin says. “Or the patient may have a rash or an
abnormal blood test.” Other warning signs are fatigue,
fever, sensitivity to sunlight, hair loss and mouth sores.
What can be done about it: Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., aspirin and acetaminophen) can help manage fever and the pain caused by inflamed joints. Your
doctor may also suggest steroid injections or antimalarial
medication.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
What it is: While it’s true that both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis cause joint pain, they do so
for different reasons. Inflammation is the culprit in RA,
while osteoarthritis is caused by the deterioration of your
joints’ cartilage as you age. Also, RA can affect more than
your joints. Your eyes, mouth and lungs are at risk. It
often shows up earlier in life, too, between the ages of 25
and 55.
How to recognize it: “Arthritis is obviously the leading
symptom,” Lockshin says. “Generally, it’s in the arms,
legs, hands and wrists.” And because it isn’t confined to
your joints, RA can also result in dry eyes and mouth,
chest pain when inhaling and nodules under the skin.
What can be done about it: Medication, physical therapy and exercise can be used to manage symptoms as well
as prevent future joint damage. You might also find relief
by experimenting with your diet, Lockshin says, as some
food intolerances or allergies make symptoms worse.
Type 1 Diabetes
What it is: In this autoimmune disease, the immune system turns against the pancreas—specifically the insulinproducing cells within it—making the body incapable of
producing insulin. Without insulin, your blood sugar levels soar, causing problems with your heart, eyes, kidneys
and more.
How to recognize it: Warning signs of type 1 diabetes
include frequent urination, extreme thirst, weight loss,
sores that heal slowly and blurry eyesight. It can be diagnosed with a blood test.
What can be done about it: Your doctor will prescribe
an insulin injection regimen that will keep your blood
sugar at normal levels. You will need to check your levels throughout the day to ensure they stay in the proper
range. Eating well and exercising can help further manage the disease.
“People with type 1 diabetes are more susceptible than
those with type 2 to marked swings in blood sugar,”
Lockshin says. “They should
carry identification and instruconlIne
tions regarding how to get
help and what to do if they are
behaving abnormally or losing
consciousness.”
Get the RiGht DiaGnosis
Do You Have
Rheumatoid
Arthritis?
Your doctor may refer
you to a rheumatologist
or recommend Arthritis
Foundation Exercise
Program classes at NMMC
Wellness Centers. For
more information, call 800the DesK.
When you’re feeling off, you want to know why. “Unfortunately, people with autoimmune diseases often face a frustrating journey to get to their diagnosis,” says Charles
King, MD, a rheumatologist with IMA-Tupelo who also chairs the American College of
Rheumatology’s committee on rheumatologic care. King suggests these tips:
• Know youR family histoRy. Research indicates there is a genetic component to
most autoimmune diseases, so take note of your relatives’ health histories.
• tRacK youR symptoms. “Keep a list, starting with the one that bothers you the
most,” King says. “Many people with autoimmune diseases suffer from symptoms that, at
first, seem unrelated.”
• finD an expeRienceD pRofessional. Unfortunately, there is no medical specialty
of “autoimmunologist,” so look for a physician who deals with your major symptom.
• expect multiple tests. “Pinpointing an autoimmune disease is usually an exercise in elimination,” King says, “meaning it may take several different tests to determine
your diagnosis.”
FAL L 2013
45
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - North Mississippi
Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - North Mississippi
Opening Thoughts
Recognized for Excellence
Step It Up
Your Mightiest Muscle
Well, Well, Well
Are You Doing More Harm Than Good?
Is Your Shut-Eye Serving You Well?
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge
Anatomy of an ER Visit
Next-Gen Surgery
Attack From Within
Virtual Health
Working for You
Catch the Spirit
Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - North Mississippi
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