Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are autoimmune disorders that cause joint pain. The joint pain and a few other symptoms are common in these two conditions, but typically, they are two separate diseases that require different treatment approaches. While both these conditions are inflammatory, joints are majorly impacted in case of rheumatoid arthritis whereas it is the skin that faces the wrath in lupus. Here are some facts about these conditions that could help patients choose their treatment method.
Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus – comorbidity incidence
Comorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus is very common. This implies that people with lupus may also be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. There is a 15% chance of an overlapping disease for lupus patients with about 1% risk of the overlapping condition being rheumatoid arthritis. There is also a genetic link between rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus – symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis could lead to bone deformity. As mentioned above, joint pain, swelling, and inflammation are common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Apart from this, people who are affected with lupus may also exhibit other symptoms such as a butterfly shaped rash on the bridge of their nose and cheeks, sensitivity to sunlight, ulcers in the mouth as well as heart or kidney related problems.
Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus – risk factors
Women are at a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, and this is particularly in their post-pregnancy phase when there is a drastic change in the levels of certain hormones in the body. Having a family history of this condition or exposure to environmental pollutants can also increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Risk factors with lupus are more or less the same, but when it comes to the associated complications, lupus can lead to kidney or heart problems as well as damage to the central nervous system due to the inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of various conditions as well such as osteoporosis, lung problems, cardiovascular issues, etc.
An accurate diagnosis of these conditions can help in quicker treatment and better management of them.
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What is an ESA and how to get one
Read moreHaving a dog as a companion can contribute to one’s mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, some canines are trained to officially aid people with disabilities. These dogs are known as emotional support animals (ESAs). People can qualify a dog as an ESA with a few crucial steps. With official evidence, such individuals can be exempted from strict federal housing norms and rules that restrict flight travel with an animal. If you want to know how to register a dog as a support animal or understand the process of getting an ESA, you can follow these steps.
- Register through a trusted ESA service
There are several online ESA services in the country, like the US Service Animals that register a support animal. After entering details about the owner and the dog and completing registration, the ESA service will send the owner a photo identity card of the dog and a certification of registration. This identity card will also contain legal information regarding rights. Having an ID of your dog, along with a certificate, can make it easier to establish the authenticity of the whole process. - Locate a licensed health care provider
Only licensed practitioners can qualify an ESA officially. People usually connect with a licensed therapist via a referral from a trusted doctor. There are online search tools like the Psychologist Locator by the American Psychological Association that may be useful. Simply enter the zip code and practice area to locate an ideal licensed therapist close to the person’s residence. - Ask for an ESA letter
After speaking to the therapist, one has to request for an ESA letter. The letter must state the diagnosis of an emotional or mental disability and that an ESA can help improve the symptoms associated with the mentioned condition. Note that the severity of one’s disability need not be revealed in the letter.
Only an official letter from a licensed practitioner can qualify an animal as an ESA. However, when you register a dog as an emotional support animal with a service, you can show additional documentation to someone who doubts the validity of your ESA.
- Register through a trusted ESA service
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Six tell-tale symptoms of Hepatitis C
Read moreAccording to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been at least 30,000 reported cases of acute Hepatitis C infection every year. A study shows that around 3.5 million people were detected with Hepatitis C virus in 2015. The Hepatitis C virus causes inflammation of the liver that occurs over a prolonged period. This makes Hepatitis C is one such disease that does not show immediate symptoms.
It has been observed that about 20 to 30 percent people experience Hepatitis C symptoms in the first six months. The symptoms of Hepatitis C tend to resemble those of common flu. Hence, it is quite difficult to detect whether a person has been infected by the Hepatitis C virus or not. If you get the following symptoms, consult your doctor and ask whether you are at a risk of Hepatitis C infection.
- You frequently experience pain in your upper abdomen. The pain usually occurs on the right side. You will also notice a swelling on this part. This happens due to water accumulation. You might also suffer from diarrhea.
- Your urine is dark and you pass light-colored stool. This is one of the clearest symptoms of Hepatitis C. If you observe these symptoms in yourself, rush to doctor and get tests done to determine whether you are suffering from Hepatitis C.
- You have jaundice. Your skin and eyes develop a yellow tint. You might suffer from constant itching.
- You lose your appetite and lose interest in your daily activities. You tend to be nauseous and experience vomiting.
- You are constantly tired. You experience periodic pains in your muscles and joints. Also, you experience chronic body aches from time to time.
- You might also suffer from extreme mood swings with a persistent feeling of sadness and lack of energy and enthusiasm.
Most of these symptoms appear within first three months of infection. These can last for two to twelve weeks. Sometimes, certain subtle symptoms can occur periodically over decades. It can take about six months to ten years to became aware of the virus in the body. Since most of these symptoms are similar to illnesses such as flu or diarrhea and other viral infections, Hepatitis C often goes undetected in most cases. It is only when the liver stops functioning normally that it becomes clear that the person is suffering from Hepatitis C infection. In extreme cases, the person might suffer from a condition known as cirrhosis. If you observe any of the above six symptoms, ask your doctor to test you for Hepatitis C. After all, prevention is better than cure!