Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an autoantibody, and its elevated levels may be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s syndrome and other autoimmune diseases, and may also occur in some infectious diseases, chronic liver disease, pulmonary interstitial fibrosis and other conditions. Here are some ways to deal with high rheumatoid factor: Treat autoimmune diseases for the primary disease. 1. Rheumatoid arthritis: If rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed, anti-rheumatic drugs are usually needed. Traditional synthetic anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, can inhibit the immune response and adjust the immune status of the body, thus helping to control the disease and reduce the level of rheumatoid factor. It is usually taken once a week, and the specific dosage should be adjusted by the doctor according to the patient’s condition. There are also leflunomide, which can effectively control joint inflammation, improve disease activity and reduce the production of rheumatoid factors. Biological agents, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists, are a good choice for patients with severe illness or poor response to traditional drugs, which can specifically block inflammatory factors, relieve symptoms and reduce rheumatoid factors. 2. Other autoimmune diseases: If it is caused by systemic lupus erythematosus, glucocorticoids (such as prednisone) and immunosuppressants (such as cyclophosphamide) may be used. Glucocorticoids can quickly reduce inflammation, but long-term use has side effects. Immunosuppressants are used to regulate immunity and stabilize the disease. With the control of the disease, rheumatoid factor may also be reduced. Three: Infectious diseases, if the rheumatoid factor is caused by infection, such as bacterial infection, the corresponding antibiotics should be used according to the pathogen of infection. For example, streptococcal infections are often treated with penicillin, and rheumatoid factor may gradually return to normal after the source of infection is eliminated with a sufficient course of antibiotics. For viral infection, symptomatic treatment and supportive treatment are generally carried out, and rheumatoid factor is expected to be reduced after physical recovery.
Lifestyle adjustment diet. Increase the intake of vegetables and fruits: eat more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and other antioxidants, such as oranges, strawberries, spinach, broccoli and so on. These antioxidants are helpful to alleviate the oxidative stress in vivo and have a certain effect on regulating immunity. High-quality protein: Ensure adequate intake of high-quality protein, such as lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, etc., to help maintain the body’s normal immune function and repair tissues. However, attention should be paid to the appropriate amount to avoid excessive intake to increase the burden on the kidney. Reduce stimulating food: try to eat less spicy, greasy, high sugar food, these foods may aggravate the body’s inflammatory response, is not conducive to the control of rheumatoid factor levels. Exercise • Moderate exercise can enhance physical fitness and improve immunity. Suitable sports include walking, Tai Chi, yoga and so on. Walking can be carried out every day for about 30 minutes, moderate speed; Tai Chi and yoga can be carried out 3-5 times a week, 30-60 minutes each time. Exercise can promote blood circulation, enhance joint flexibility, help regulate the immune balance of the body, and indirectly affect the level of rheumatoid factor. Rest and emotional regulation. Get plenty of sleep. Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night to help your body recover and your immune system function properly. Staying up late for a long time will disturb the immune function and aggravate the condition. At the same time, we should maintain a good state of mind and avoid anxiety and tension, because excessive mental stress may affect the neuro-endocrine-immune network, which is not conducive to the control of rheumatoid factors. Stress can be relieved by listening to music, meditation, etc. It should be noted that high rheumatoid factor is only a laboratory test result, so we must first seek medical treatment to clarify the cause, and carry out targeted treatment and intervention under the guidance of doctors.
