Ankylosing Spondylitis – Control Over Disease
A constant in medicine dictates that early diagnosis is fundamental condition for the existence of better prognosis and control of a given condition.
The case of ankylosing spondylitis is no exception and for detection it is common that the specialist will ask the patient to undergo a series of studies such as blood count (number of red and white blood cells and variants) rate of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (shows the degree of inflammation in the body) and identification HLAB27 antigen (molecule that can induce the formation of antibodies which counteract the gene responsible in part). Of course pelvis and spine radiographs are essential.
In some cases either by experience or specialist for obvious signs of deterioration the doctor can get almost the certainty of diagnosis but nevertheless the evidence cited should be practiced.
With regard to treatment it is usual that the specialist prescribed the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain. However the interviewee said each case must be handled according to their circumstances since some patients experience very severe symptoms while others are more or less bearable.
Physical therapy or monitoring of specific exercise regime can help concerned but it is noteworthy that in recent times has shown the effectiveness of so-called biological therapies (genetic engineering acting on specific molecules) which in this case allowed the creation of a drug that inhibits or blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF by its initials in English) a chemical is released by cells of the immune system (defense against diseases) and is involved in inflammation and joint destruction.
Most people respond well to this drug and can make normal life although much depends on when to initiate therapy. It is also true that anti-TNF therapy is expensive but if we turn to him the impact of the disease may involve even higher figures.
Moreover the interviewee explained that the biological therapy is called this because it is based on genetic procedure that aims to act on specific molecules not because they are some kind of vaccine or use of herbs.
I think anyone with pain in the waist or joint pain should seek help especially if it is a young man. To be more precise it is noted that if the discomfort is intense sustained and cause problems to raise work or perform normal life one must see the rheumatologist.
It is necessary that such cases are evaluated by the consultant rheumatologist ended the interview because many people who experience the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis described consulting the general practitioner or other health professional that does not necessarily know about the disease implying delayed diagnosis and prognosis less optimistic.