Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis? Someone in your family or social circle has this chronic disease?
You must have several questions and concerns in mind.
In this 3-part series, we answer 14 of the most frequently asked questions about rheumatoid arthritis.
(For more information or personalized assistance, please consult the best rheumatoid arthritis surgeon.)
1. Are rheumatoid arthritis drugs dangerous?
Every drug has some side effects. When prescribing medicines, the doctors always weigh the pros against the side effects. If the benefits of the medicine outweigh the cons, the medicine is usually prescribed.
In that context, if your doctor has prescribed you certain medications for rheumatoid arthritis, understand that they believe the benefits outweigh the side effects.
So, in all, the prescribed rheumatoid arthritis drugs aren’t dangerous. If you’re seeing even mild side effects, please report it to your doctor. They can make the necessary changes to your prescription.
2. Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured?
No, rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured. The disease can be managed and controlled to slow its progression.
Any solution advertised or sold as a “cure” for rheumatoid arthritis is fake. In fact, this is true for every type of arthritis. Never opt for any treatment or home remedy without consulting the doctor. For instance, if you have gout, Google “gout doctor specialist near me”, find a good specialist, and consult them.
3. Can a rheumatoid arthritis patient get pregnant?
Yes, women with rheumatoid arthritis can get pregnant.
Aside from some cases where women are at slight risk of miscarriage or complication, the majority of them with RA have normal pregnancies.
That said, you must tell your doctor if you’re planning to get pregnant. Few drugs for rheumatoid arthritis can affect the baby. The doctor can change your treatment plan to ensure a normal pregnancy for you.
4. Does rheumatoid arthritis cause fatigue?
Yes, fatigue is one of the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The inflammation caused by the antibodies affects your central nervous system. This high level of inflammation causes severe fatigue.
5. Does rheumatoid arthritis cause hair loss?
Yes, rheumatoid arthritis can result in hair loss. When your immune system starts attacking the tissues in your skin, this may affect the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. However, this isn’t very common and the severity of it isn’t high.
Note that it isn’t just rheumatoid arthritis that may cause your hair fall but also the RA medications you’re taking. So, if you’re experiencing hair fall, do report it to your doctor.
Read the second part of this 3-part series: Rheumatoid Arthritis: 14 Most Frequently Asked Questions (Part 2/3)