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Arthritis Drugs - Is the Cure Worse Than the Disease?
from: Wendy OwenCopyright 2005 Wendy Owen
Research is always ongoing into new and better medications for
arthritis which is a very good thing. But where is all this
leading us?
Of course we need effective pain medication for arthritis to
enable sufferers to live normal lives. But are all these
expensive medications controlling the disease or simply masking
the symptoms?
Here's a "quick and dirty" lowdown on what's currently available
both "over the counter" (OTC) and on prescription only.
For mild cases of arthritis -
Some milder cases of arthritis never make it into the doctor's
surgery. Indeed the sufferer might not even be aware that they
are suffering from arthritis at all. They may be feeling a few
"aches and pains" which they put down to old age or even the
cold damp weather.
That may be all well and good, but even OTC medications can be
dangerous if taken over a long period of time. The concept of
"more is better" can also happen if the pain gradually becomes
worse. This can lead to serious side effects.
OTC medications include aspirin and ibuprofen. These medications
can cause intestinal bleeding and kidney damage in large doses.
Aspirin also destroys vitamin C in the body leading to lower
immunity.
For More Advanced Arthritis-
By this stage most people have consulted their doctor.
Prescription medication at this stage normally consists of the
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS. These do target
the pain and inflammation of arthritis symptoms but have a range
of side effects including stomach upset, abdominal pain, and
ulcers.
People with high blood pressure, those with kidney problems and
especially people who have heart problems are especially at risk
with NSAIDS.
Enter the COX-2 inhibitors. These have been designed for people
whose stomach problems cannot tolerate the above. Unfortunately
the risks remain for chest pain, heart attack and stroke victims.
For Advanced Arthritis-
For those suffering extreme pain and swelling the medical
profession brings out the heavy artillery - Corticosteroids.
These drugs contain man made cortisone and can be injected
directly into the affected joints or taken orally.
Long term use of these can produce sleep problems, weight gain,
osteoporosis and loss of immunity. Also available to those for
whom nothing else seems to work are Biologic Response Modifiers
(Biologics). Biologics are derived from live sources, plants and
animals and are not manufactured chemically. They are mainly
used for sufferers of Rheumatoid Arthritis and are given
intravenously or by injection. They can't be taken in tablet
form.
Biologics suppress the immune system which leaves people prone
to infections. They are also very expensive and can't be stored
without freezing.
Also available mainly to Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers are
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) These work by
stopping the immune system from attacking the joints. DMARDS may
take up to three months to reduce symptoms but they do help to
stop joint damage even though they can't repair any previous
damage.
Although these drugs are a boon to many, they work mainly at
masking the symptoms of arthritis and can't reverse the damage
already caused. Most people thinks this is impossible, it isn't!
Natural treatments for arthritis do exist and can significantly
stop some cases of arthritis, relieve pain and inflammation and
in some cases, reverse joint damage.
Definitely worth a try!
About the author:
Find out about the healthy way to treat osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis, gout and fibromylagia. Visit:
http://www.natural-arthritis-medication.com and sign up for our
6 part course. Wendy Owen is a health researcher and author.
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