RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis in which the body's immune system attacks the joints. The inner skin of the joints (synovium) is affected, usually the hands or feet. The resulting swelling and pain are very stressful for patients. In many patients, certain antibodies are found in the blood, such as rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies (autoantibodies that are directed against components of the connective tissue). Today, the autoantibodies can be differentiated very well in the laboratory, so that early detection is possible.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1% of the population and is 2-3 times more common in women. It usually begins between the ages of 35 and 50, but can occur at any age. Children can also suffer from a form of rheumatoid arthritis (juvenile idiopathic arthritis).
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Causes of rheumatoid arthritis
The exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis have not yet been fully clarified. However, it is assumed that different triggers are involved in the development.
Genetic predisposition
It is not yet known why the immune system attacks the joints. However, a genetic component is suspected, as familial clusters can be observed. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs three times more often in siblings and children of those affected than in people in whose families no one is affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
Environmental influences
There are other, largely unknown factors that can trigger or promote the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown above all that smoking increases the risk of the disease. In smokers, the disease is often more severe. Therapies are less effective for them.
Other risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis include obesity and periodontal disease, as well as changes in the microbiome (the group of microorganisms that normally live in a specific part of the body, such as the digestive tract, mouth and lungs).
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
In many cases, rheumatoid arthritis begins gradually, but can also manifest itself with sudden, severe symptoms. It is often the small finger and toe joints that initially show inflammation. In addition to the joints themselves, tendons, tendon attachments and ligaments can also be affected.
Common symptoms of RA:
⎯⎯• Painful, warm, red and swollen joints (inflammation)
⎯⎯• Stiffness in the affected joints about 1 hour after getting up
⎯⎯• General feeling of illness with:
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Mild fever
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Tiredness and exhaustion
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Loss of appetite and weight loss
Deterioration over time can result in the following:
⎯⎯• Inability to fully flex or extend affected joints
⎯⎯• Permanently deformed joints, especially in the hands and fingers
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause problems in other organs in addition to the joints. These so-called comorbidities can e.g. B. affect the heart and vessels or the lungs.
Sexual dysfunctions
Treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis
There are several treatment options that can help relieve the symptoms of RA and slow the progression of the disease. Here are some of the most common treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis:
Drug therapies
Conventional drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis includes the use of anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, and basic medications such as methotrexate. In recent years, bioengineered protein substances called biologics have also been used to suppress inflammation in the body, relieve symptoms and slow disease progression.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Physical therapy can help improve joint mobility, strengthen muscles, and relieve pain. A physical therapist can recommend customized exercises and techniques to control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy focuses on helping patients cope better in everyday life. An occupational therapist can help use adaptive equipment to facilitate activities of daily living, as well as provide pain relief and joint protection techniques.
Nutrition
A healthy diet can have a positive impact on rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. It is recommended to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and omega-3 fatty acids. Some studies have shown that certain supplements, such as fish oil, may also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Stress management
Stress can worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. It is therefore important to reduce stress and integrate relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises into everyday life.
INUSpheresis®
INUSpherese® as an accompanying therapy option for MS
An alternative treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis is INUSpherese®, an innovative method of detoxifying the body that is used for rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic diseases. This therapy is based on a blood plasma purification technique in which harmful substances such as toxins, inflammatory mediators and pathogenic antibodies are removed from the blood. The purified blood plasma is then returned to the body. This therapy can help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.
INUSpheresis® should only be carried out by qualified specialists. In Germany there are specialized centers and partner practices that have the necessary equipment and specialist knowledge. As a certified INUS partner, ELLANN® is one of the few centers that specializes in INUSpheresis® and accompanying therapies for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, environmental diseases, autoimmune diseases and long COVID.
It is important to work with a specialist to find the most appropriate treatment options. Each case of rheumatoid arthritis is unique and requires an individual treatment strategy.
⎯⎯• Allergies
⎯⎯• Lyme disease
⎯⎯• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
⎯⎯• Chronic hepatitis C
⎯⎯• Hashimoto
⎯⎯• Hyperlipidemia
⎯⎯• Crohn's disease
⎯⎯• multiple sclerosis
⎯⎯• Multiple Chemical Hyper-
sensitivity syndrome (MCS)
⎯⎯• Parkinson's
⎯⎯• Post-COVID syndrome
⎯⎯• Post-vac syndrome
⎯⎯• Rheumatism (chronic inflammatory)
⎯⎯• Heavy metal poisoning
⎯⎯• and more
INUSpheresis® was developed to remove a variety of disease-promoting substances and toxic substances from the blood. These include environmental toxins, heavy metals, allergens, metabolic products, inflammatory messengers, infection toxins and harmful proteins. Specially developed filters make it possible to specifically filter out these pollutants while preserving healthy components of the blood. INUSpherese® does not affect your vaccination protection because antibodies and immune cells that are responsible for your vaccination protection are preserved. This makes INUSpheresis® an extremely effective method for cleaning blood plasma and supporting general well-being and health.
INUSpheresis® is not a conventional blood wash or plasma exchange method. It is also not dialysis, in which urinary substances are filtered out. INUSpheresis® is characterized by the targeted removal of harmful substances, while essential and healthy components of your blood remain untouched. This includes vital electrolytes, proteins, nutrients, blood cells and antibodies. The use of specially developed filters ensures that only pathogenic contamination is removed during the treatment. This makes the treatment particularly gentle and generally very well tolerated.
The number of INUSpherese® treatments required depends on your individual health status and health goals. A basic cycle of two treatments within 48 hours is recommended. For more intensive needs, such as extensive heavy metal elimination or complex clinical pictures, a third and even fourth treatment session every 6 to 7 weeks can make sense. Your personal treatment plan will be drawn up by our doctors after a detailed consultation.
An INUSpherese® therapy, which consists of two treatments, accompanying infusion concepts and a preparatory medical consultation, is usually priced between €5,400 and €5,700. This cost information is intended to serve as a rough guide, as the exact investment can vary depending on your individual health condition and any additional therapy options. As part of the therapy planning, you will receive detailed advice and a detailed cost overview that is individually tailored to your health goals.