Rheumatism is a chronic, systemic, self-immunological disease characterized mainly by arthritis. The treatment objectives of RA are to mitigate symptoms, control inflammation, prevent joint damage and maintain function. With advances in medicine, many patients can achieve disease relief through drug treatment, i.e., a marked reduction or disappearance of symptoms. However, even during the mitigation period, unauthorized stoppage remains a taboo with potentially serious consequences.
Risk of detoxification
Re-emergence of diseases: RA is a chronic disease, and the potential immune system remains abnormal even if symptoms are reduced. Detoxification can lead to re-emergence of disease and the re-emergence of arthritis, resulting in pain, swelling and limited functioning.
Artificial damage: Continued inflammation can lead to irreversible damage and malformation of the joint. Small inflammatory activities may still exist even during the palliative period, and the stoppage increases the risk of joint damage.
Systematic complications: RA may affect not only the joint but also other organs such as the cardiovascular system, lungs, skin and eyes. Detoxification may increase the risk of these systemic complications.
Drug resistance: Some patients may find the drug less effective when they re-use the drug after it has been discontinued. This may be related to complex changes in the immune system, leading to a diminished response to drugs.
Why can’t we just stop?
Chronic characteristics of disease: RA is a chronic disease that requires long-term management. Even if the symptoms are abated, the disease itself is not cured. Long-term drug treatment can help maintain a state of relief and prevent disease activity.
Mechanisms for the functioning of drugs: RA drugs, such as rheumatizing drugs and biological agents, usually take some time to function and maintain stable concentrations in the body to effectively control inflammation. A sudden stoppage would break this balance and could lead to a backlash.
Individual differences: each patient’s response to the drug varies, and the response after the withdrawal varies from person to person. Some patients may re-emerge soon after the stoppage, while others may experience symptoms later. The stoppage should therefore be carried out under the guidance of a doctor, taking into account the individual circumstances.
Correct management strategy
Regular follow-up: patients should follow up regularly to monitor disease activity and the side effects of drugs. The doctor can adjust the treatment to the patient ‘ s condition.
Individualized treatment: The treatment should be individualized according to the specific circumstances of the patient. Doctors may adjust the dose or type of drug to the disease activity, the drug response and the patient ‘ s lifestyle.
Phasing down: If detoxification is considered, it is usually the strategy of gradual detoxification rather than sudden detoxification. This helps to observe changes in disease activity and to adjust in a timely manner.
Comprehensive treatment: In addition to drug treatment, patients should have appropriate physiotherapy, occupational therapy and lifestyle adjustments, such as a healthy diet and moderate exercise, for the overall management of diseases.
Psychological support: RA patients often face long-term physical and psychological challenges. Psychological support and education can help patients better cope with diseases and improve their quality of life.
The management of rheumatism arthritis is a long-term process, and even during the period of disease relief, unauthorized stoppage can have serious consequences, including relapse and joint damage. Patients should, under the guidance of a doctor, adjust their medications and adopt an integrated management strategy to sustain long-term disease relief and improved quality of life.
Rheumatism arthritis
