Connective tissue diseases: symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is connective tissue disease?

Connective tissue diseases are various types of diseases that attack the parts of the body that connect the body structures together. Some of the most common types of connective tissue diseases are rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism), scleroderma, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Connective tissue is made of 2 proteins: collagen and elastin. Collagen is a protein found in tendons, ligaments, skin, cornea, cartilage, bones and blood vessels. Elastin is an elastic protein that resembles a rubber band and is a major component of ligaments and skin.

When a person has connective tissue disease, the collagen and elastin will become inflamed. Thus, protein and the body parts that are connected will be disrupted.

How common is connective tissue disease?

Rheumatoid arthritis affects more women than men. However, young children and the elderly can also develop rheumatoid arthritis.

Scleroderma affects women 3 times more often than men during their lifetime, with a rate 15 times greater for women of childbearing age.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is 9 times more common in women than in men.

This condition can occur in patients of any age. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of connective tissue disease?

Signs and symptoms are non-specific. Depending on the connective tissue disease and how active the condition is, various symptoms can occur, such as fever, muscle and joint pain, weakness and various other symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis

• Painful, weak and swollen joints
• Stiffness in the joints that usually gets worse in the morning and after inactivity
• Fatigue, fever and weight loss

Scleroderma

• Nearly everyone with scleroderma experiences skin that hardens and tightens.
• Fingers or toes. One of the early signs of scleroderma is an excessive response to cold temperatures or emotional stress, which can cause numbness, pain or discoloration of the fingers or toes.
• Digestive system. Some people with scleroderma also have trouble absorbing nutrients if the intestinal muscles don't move food properly.
• Heart, lungs or kidneys. This condition can affect the function of the heart, lungs or kidneys.

Systemic lupus erythematosus lupus (SLE)

• Fatigue and fever
• Pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints
• A butterfly-shaped rash on the face covering the cheeks and bridge of the nose
• Skin sores that appear or get worse with sun exposure (photosensitivity)
• Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or when stressed (Raynaud's phenomenon)
• Hard to breathe
• Chest pain
• Dry eyes
• Headache, confusion and memory loss.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes connective tissue disease?

The specific causes of most connective tissue diseases are unknown. However, there is a general pattern that increases the risk of connective tissue disease. A possible combination of genetic risk and environmental factors is required for the development of connective tissue disease.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for connective tissue disease?

There are many risk factors for connective tissue disease, namely:

• Connective tissue disease caused by genetic inheritance.
• Other connective tissue diseases that cannot be determined by certain gene disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma.
• This connective tissue disease appears with an unknown cause, but has a weaker genetic factor. This condition is characterized by a collection of spontaneous overactivity of the immune system which affects the production of excess antibodies in the circulation.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is connective tissue disease diagnosed?

Doctors can sometimes detect connective tissue disease by performing a physical exam. Often, blood tests, X-rays and other tests can help diagnose connective tissue disease.

What are the treatments for connective tissue disease?

Treatment

• NSAIDs. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, IB) and naproxen sodium (Alevecan) help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Steroids. Corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, reduce inflammation and pain and slow joint damage.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), Methotrexate (Trexall, Otrexup, Rasuvo), leflunomide (Arava), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and protect joints and other tissues from permanent damage.

Therapy

The therapist will provide you with new ways to do everyday tasks, which will be easier for your joints.

Operation

If treatment doesn't work to prevent or slow down damage to your joint, your doctor may suggest surgery to repair the damaged joint. Surgery can restore your ability to use your joints, as well as reduce pain and repair damage.

Alternative medicine

Several additional alternatives have shown promise for rheumatoid arthritis, such as fish oil, plant oil and Tai Chi.

Treatment

• Blood pressure medications that dilate blood vessels can prevent lung and kidney problems, as well as treat Raynaud's disease.
• Medicines to suppress the immune system, such as drugs taken after an organ transplant, can reduce the symptoms of scleroderma.
• Medications such as omeprazole (Prilosec) can relieve symptoms of acid reflux.
• Prevent infection. Antibiotic ointment, cleansing and flu protection can prevent infection from fingertip ulcers caused by Raynaud's disease. The usual influenza vaccines and pneumonia can help protect lungs that have been affected by scleroderma.
• Relieve pain. If over-the-counter pain relievers are not helping enough, you can ask your doctor for stronger medication.

Therapy

A physical or occupational therapist can help you:

• Overcoming pain
• Increase strength and mobility
• Maintain independence in daily tasks

Operation

Surgical options for complications of scleroderma can include:

• Amputation
• Lung transplant

Systemic lupus erythematosus lupus (SLE)

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), can be used to treat pain, swelling and fever associated with lupus.
• Antimalarial drugs. Medicines that are often used to treat malaria, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), can also control lupus.
• Prednisone and other types of corticosteroids can treat inflammation caused by lupus.
• Immunosuppressants. Medicines that suppress the immune system can help with serious cases of lupus, such as azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), mycophenolate (CellCept), leflunomide (Arava) and methotrexate (Trexall).

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat connective tissue disease?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with connective tissue disease:

Rheumatoid arthritis

• Moderate exercise can strengthen the muscles around the joints, and can fight fatigue.
• Applying heat or cold can relieve pain and relax tense and sore muscles.
• Look for ways to deal with pain by reducing stress.

Scleroderma

• Sports. Exercise keeps the body flexible, improves circulation and relieves stiffness.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine causes blood vessels to contract, worsening Raynaud's disease. Smoking also causes permanent constriction of blood vessels.
• Overcoming stomach acid. Avoid foods that cause stomach acid or gas. Also, avoid eating late at night. Lift your head up in bed to keep stomach acid from rising up into the esophagus (reflux) while you sleep. Antacids can relieve symptoms.
• Protect yourself from cold. Use warm gloves to protect cold exposed hands.

Systemic lupus erythematosus lupus (SLE)

• Enough rest. People with lupus often experience persistent fatigue that is different from ordinary fatigue and cannot be relieved by just rest.
• Use protective clothing, such as a hat, long sleeves and trousers, and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 55 every time you go outside.
• Regular exercise.
• Do not smoke.
• Have a healthy diet.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.