Description

The adult Still's disease is a rare type of inflammatory arthritis. The common symptoms are fever, rash, and pain in the joints. The condition may occur in some people as a single episode in which he disappears. In others, the disease does not go away, or goes away, but comes back.

The adult Still's disease can damage the joints, especially the wrists. The treatment involves medications to reduce the pain and help control the disease. Prednisone is often used if pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) are not sufficient.

Symptoms

Most people with adult Still's disease have a combination of the following symptoms:

  • Fever. The fever may increase to at least 102 ° f (38.9 degrees Celsius). The fever may spike once or twice a day for a week or more.
  • Rash. The rash may appear and disappear with the fever. The rash usually appears on the trunk, arms, or legs.
  • The sore throat. This is one of the first symptoms of adult Still's disease. The lymph nodes in the neck may be swollen and tender.
  • Pain and inflammation in the joints. Joints — especially the knees and the wrists— might be stiff, painful and swollen. Ankles, elbows, hands and shoulders can also hurt. The discomfort in the joints usually lasts for at least two weeks.
  • Muscle pain. Muscle pain usually comes and goes with the fever. The pain can be severe enough to interrupt daily activities.

The symptoms of this disorder can vary from person to person. Can mimic those of other conditions, such as lupus and a type of cancer called lymphoma.

When to see a doctor

If you have a high fever, rash, and pain in the joints, consult your health care provider. Also, if you have the adult Still's disease and develop a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or any other symptoms that are not usual, call your health care provider.

Causes

The cause of adult Still's disease is not known. Some researchers suspect that it could be triggered by a viral or bacterial infection.

Risk factors

Age is the main risk factor for adult Still's disease. It is more likely to occur in adults between the ages of 15 and 25 and between the ages of 36 and 46. Males and females are equally at risk.

Complications

Adult Still's disease inflamed organs and joints. Most of the complications of the disease, the result of this inflammation.

  • The destruction of the joint. Chronic inflammation and irritation that occurs with adult Still's disease can damage the joints. The most commonly affected joints are the knees and the wrists. Sometimes other joints, including the neck, feet, fingers, and hip joints, are also affected.
  • Inflammation of the heart. The adult Still's disease can inflame the saclike of the covering of the heart, called the pericardium. This results in the inflammation of the pericardium is called pericarditis. The disease can also inflame the muscular part of the heart, called the myocardium. This results in the inflammation of the heart muscle, called myocarditis.
  • The excess fluid around the lungs. The inflammation can cause the accumulation of fluid around the lungs. When this happens, it can be difficult to take deep breaths.
  • Macrophage activation syndrome. This is a rare but serious complication of adult Still's disease. This occurs when the immune system goes into overdrive and, potentially, damage to organs such as the heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys.

Diagnosis

There is not a single test identifies the adult Still's disease. Imaging tests can reveal the damage caused by the disease. Blood tests may help rule out other diseases that have similar symptoms.

Treatment

A variety of medications are used to treat adult Still's disease. The type of medication depends on the severity of the symptoms and possible side effects.

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nsaids). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nsaids) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), can help with mild pain in the joints and inflammation. Stronger Nsaids are available by prescription. Since Nsaids can damage the liver, the blood tests may be necessary to check the function of the liver.
  • Steroids. Many people who have the adult Still's disease require treatment with steroids, such as prednisone. These powerful medications reduce the inflammation. Can decrease the body's resistance to infection and increase the risk of developing osteoporosis and diabetes.
  • The methotrexate. The medication methotrexate (Trexall) is often used in combination with prednisone. The dose of prednisone was reduced when combined with methotrexate.
  • Biological response modifiers. If other medications have not worked, your health care provider may recommend a biological response modifier. Biological response modifiers are drugs that block the proteins that cause inflammation. These drugs are often referred to as the biological. Anakinra (Kineret), canakinumab (Ilaris), and tocilizumab (Actemra) are some of the biological products that are used to treat adult Still's disease. Other biological products that may be useful for the treatment of adult Still's disease include etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira®) and rituximab (Rituxan).

Lifestyle and home remedies

Here are some ways to make the most of your health if you have the adult Still's disease:

  • Know your medications. Even if you have no symptoms, some days, it is important that you take your medication as your doctor recommends. The control of the inflammation helps to reduce the risk of complications.
  • Supplement your diet. If you are taking high doses of prednisone, talk with your doctor about taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent osteoporosis.
  • Keep moving. Although you may not want to work if your joint pain, exercise is recommended for all types of arthritis. Exercise can help to keep your range of motion and relieve pain and stiffness.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely that you seek the advice of your primary care provider, but you can get a referral to a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the joints.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do in advance, such as fasting for a specific test. Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms, including when they started and how often they burst.
  • Key medical information , including any other diagnosed health conditions.
  • All the drugs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, including the dosage.
  • Questions to ask your doctor.

Have a friend or family member, if possible, to help you remember the information that is obtained.

For the adult Still's disease, basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • What are other possible causes?
  • What tests do I need?
  • Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What are the alternatives to the approach that you're suggesting?
  • I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask you questions, such as:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • Do your symptoms come and go, or continuous?
  • When symptoms are more likely to erupt?
  • What treatments or self-care measures have you tried?
  • Have any of the treatments or measures of self-care helped?
  • Have you been diagnosed with any other medical condition?
Symptoms and treatment of Adult Still's disease