Treatment of overlap syndrome: the challenge is to control inflammation and symptoms

Author:
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker

The purpose of treatment is to suppress the inflammatory process and stabilise the manifestations of the disease. The aim is also to alleviate issues and problems, such as pain and others.

Of course, it is also important to reduce joint damage, prevent organ damage and the onset of complications. It seeks to achieve remission (attenuation of disease activity) and prolong the relapse onset interval (recurrence).

The main goal of therapy is to increase the quality of life.

The treatment has two components: pharmacological treatment and regimental lifestyle changes.

Both complement each other.

Pharmacological treatment includes the use of various groups of medications:

  1. non-steroidal anti-rheumatic medications - anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) suppress inflammatory activity and pain
  2. analgesics, relieve pain and reduce fever
  3. antimalarials, not for malaria, but for a positive mechanism of action
  4. corticosteroids
  5. DMARD - Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs
    • immunosuppression, effects of DMARD (methotrexate)
  6. biological treatment
  7. treatment of associated problems, skin, eyes and others

Lifestyle changes are just as important as medication.

Psychological support from family and friends is also important. Both adults and children should remain active and socialise, otherwise there is a risk of depression.

Rehabilitation, physical therapy, phototherapy and physiotherapy, occupational therapy, medical gymnastics will help. Sufficient movement is important and passivity, inactivity is inappropriate.

Lifestyle changes should be based on the following principles:

  • normalisation of body weight
  • rational nutrition - all components of the diet, nutrients
  • vitamins, minerals, joint nutrition, fibre, healthy fats
  • plenty of vegetables and fruits
  • drink lots of fluid
  • daily dose of activity - a suitable way of sports, movement, walking, swimming, cycling, running, dancing and others
  • skin care, avoid the effects of cold on the exposed end parts of the body
  • no smoking
  • limit alcohol consumption
  • no drug abuse
  • avoid stress, excessive mental but also physical exertion
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Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker
The secondary medical school in Nitra gave me the basis for my career in the field of health and diseases. Thanks to it, I worked for 2 years in the traumatology clinic and outpatient clinic at the Nitra Hospital. Since 2006 I was employed in the emergency medical service, where I stayed until 2017. I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra in the field of emergency health care. The bachelor's degree allowed me to continue my mission as a paramedic. In the meantime, I got a job at the emergency line 155. I have been working in pre-hospital health care until today. I had an interest in people, health and even diseases in my childhood, which gave me the prerequisite to pursue this topic in adulthood. Studying and acquiring new information in practice provided me with a great basis for writing professional texts, in the form of articles that can be understood by ordinary people. Thus, my interest in the Health Portal has a solid foundation in years of practice and personal interest. Similarly, I am also interested in healthy eating, nutrition and overall healthy lifestyle. I fill my free time with family and sports.
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