What Is An NSAID And How Is It Used To Treat Pain Resulting From Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Dr. Stephen Paget answers the question: 'NSAIDs For Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain?'
— -- Question: What is an NSAID and how is it used to treat pain resulting from rheumatoid arthritis?
Answer: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are particular chemicals that block inflammation and pain. Aspirin is one of the oldest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
The term non-steroidal means that they are not cortisone medications, or steroids. The positive things about them are that they do help to control the inflammation and discomfort that relate to arthritis.
Unfortunately, they do not modify disease, meaning they don't not stop the illness itself. While they have positive effects, as with all medications, they also have potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal irritation, swelling, increase in blood pressure and problems such as that. More recently, it's been found that some people who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can even have an increased risk of heart attacks.
However as with all drugs you have to work with your physicians and make cost benefits decisions to see if the drug is practical for you to improve your life.
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