Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Allergen: A substance that triggers an allergic reaction.
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Allergic Rhinitis: An allergy affecting the mucus membrane of the nose. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is often called "hay fever."
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Allergist: A doctor that diagnoses, treats, and manages allergy-related conditions.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Ana-Kit: A device used to inject epinephrine during an anaphylaxis attack.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Anaphylaxis: A life-threatening allergic reaction that involves the entire body. Anaphylaxis may result in shock or death, and thus requires immediate medical attention
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Animal dander: The small scales or pieces of skin, often containing proteins secreted by oil glands, which are shed by an animal. These proteins are the major causes of allergies to pets.
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Antibiotics: A class of medications used to treat bacterial infections. Certain antibiotics, such as penicillin, may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
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Antibody: A protein in the immune system that recognizes and attacks foreign substances in the body.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Anticonvulsant: A medication used to prevent or treat seizures. Certain anticonvulsants may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Antihistamines: A class of medications used to block the action of histamines in the body and prevent the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
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Asthma: An inflammatory disorder of the airways, causing periodic attacks of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
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Atopic dermatitis: A chronic skin rash, also known as "eczema," that often appears in the first few years of life.
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Basophil: An immune system cell that attaches to antibodies and circulates through out the blood.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Beta-blockers: A class of blood pressure medications that ease the heart's pumping action and widen the blood vessels. Beta-blockers counteract the effects of epinephrine used for emergency treatment of anaphylactic shock and should not be used during immunotherapy.
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Bronchial tubes: The lower sections of the airway that lead into the lungs.
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Challenge test: A test used to confirm an allergy to specific substance. A doctor will administer small but increasing amounts of a suspected allergen until an allergic response is noticed. Due to the risk of anaphylaxis, this should only be performed under a controlled setting.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, or the mucous membrane surrounding the eye. Also known as pinkeye.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Corticosteroid: An anti-inflammatory medication used to treat the itching and swelling associated with some allergic reactions.
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Cromolym sodium: An anti-inflammatory nasal spray used to treat and sometimes prevent allergic rhinitis.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Decongestants: A class of medications used for nasal congestion. Decongestants are available in oral doses, nasal sprays, or eye drops (for conjunctivitis).
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Dust mites: A microscopic organism that lives in dust.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Eczema: See Atopic dermatitis.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Eosinophil: A specific type of immune cell that can cause tissue damage in the late phase of an allergic reaction.
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Epinepherine: A medication used for immediate treatment of anaphylaxis by raising blood pressure and heart rate back to normal levels. Epinepherine is also known as adrenaline.
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EpiPen: A device used to inject epinephrine during an anaphylaxis attack.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Heparin: A chemical released by basophils and mast cells that causes nearby tissues to become swollen and inflamed.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Histamine: A chemical released by basophils and mast cells that causes nearby tissues to become swollen and inflamed.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Hives: See urticaria.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Hypertension: High blood pressure. When blood pushes against artery walls harder than normal.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Immunoglobulin E: A type of antibody responsible for most allergic reactions.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Immunotherapy: A series of shots that help build up the immune system's tolerance to an allergen.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Insulin: A hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Diabetics who take insulin derived from animals may have allergic reactions.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Intradermal test: A test where an allergen is injected just underneath the skin. Intradermal tests are generally used when results from a skin prick test are unclear.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Late Phase: The period 4 - 24 hours after exposure to an allergen where tissue damage may occur.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Leukotrienes: Inflammatory substances that are released by mast cells during an allergic response or asthma attack.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Lymphocyte: A specific type of immune cell that can cause tissue damage in the late phase of an allergic reaction.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Mast cell: An immune system cell which attaches to antibodies and is located in the tissue that lines the nose, bronchial tubes, gastrointestinal tract, and the skin
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Neocromil sodium: An inhaled medication used to treat inflammation involved with asthma.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Neutrophil: A specific type of immune cell that can cause tissue damage in the late phase of an allergic reaction.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Radioallergosorbant Test (RAST): A blood test that measures the amount of IgE antibody produced when the sample is mixed with a specific allergen.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Rhinitis: An inflammation of the nasal passageways, particularly with discharge.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Sinusitis: An inflammation or infection of one or more sinuses. The sinuses are hollow air spaces located around the nose and eyes.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Skin prick test: A test where a needle is used to scratch the skin with a small amount of allergen. A response can usually be seen within 15 - 20 minutes.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Urticaria: Raised areas of the skin that are often red, warm, and itchy. Urticaria is also known as hives.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Urushiol: An oil found on poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
This step discusses other treatment options you may have heard about:
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Acupuncture
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- Stress control
- Surgery
- Moving to a different climate
- New techniques for cartilage repair
Transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation (TENS)
This is a technique that directs small pulses of electricity to specific nerves.
The aim is to reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings in the spinal cord, thereby
closing the pain "gates." Although TENS is not effective in all arthritis sufferers,
some people find it to be a practical means of pain control. The procedure,
which produces a tingling sensation at the site of the electrical pads, has
few side effects. (Some people have reported allergic reactions to the jelly
used to apply the pads.) TENS instruction usually is provided by a physiotherapist,
who can explain how to position the pads, select the correct electrical frequency
and pulse strength, and time how long the treatment should last.
| During transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
(TENS), low intensity electrical pulses are passed across the area of pain
to block pain carrying nerve signals. |
Acupuncture
This may provide short-term relief of pain. If performed properly with sterile
needles, acupuncture can do no harm. Acupuncture therapy is believed to work
by stimulating the body's own pain-relieving hormones. However, acupuncture
cannot "cure" arthritis -- its effects are temporary.
Glucosamine and chondroitin
Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are nutritional supplements. Because
they are normally produced within the body and are used in the manufacture
or repair of cartilage, the synthetic versions have been presumed to aid the
body's repair mechanisms in osteoarthritis.
Several reports indicate that both supplements may indeed relieve the pain
and stiffness of osteoarthritis, especially when combined with exercise, weight
loss, physical therapy, and other measures. These effects tend to be mild,
though, and both often need to be taken many months before any benefit is felt.
Nonetheless, potential side effects appear to be minimal. As a result, while
some people find glucosamine and chondroitin helpful, many find that they make
no difference.
Glucosamine and chondroitin products -- like all dietary supplements -- are
not subjected to the strict regulations of the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), so buyer beware. Arthritis sufferers should check with a physician before
taking them, and, if glucosamine sulfate or chondroitin sulfate are already
being used, report such use (and the use of any other nutritional supplements)
to a physician.
Stress control
Emotional stress sometimes causes arthritic symptoms to worsen. Repeated daily
stresses -- such as money problems, traffic jams, or shopping difficulties
-- may increase joint discomfort.
Although emotional anxiety does not appear to be as important a factor in
osteoarthritis as it is in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritic pain may develop
after stressful life events, like the loss of a loved one or separation from
a spouse.
Arthritis itself is a source of stress.
- Individuals may feel trapped in a vicious cycle in which arthritic pain
causes stress, and stress causes more pain.
- In addition, they may have a low self-esteem and feel a loss of control
because of arthritis-related concerns such as pharmaceutical bills, side
effects from medicines, limited mobility, or unwelcome physical changes.
Stress management techniques are especially significant, because they can
help people regain a sense of control while relieving their arthritic pain.
Proven techniques for stress management include:
- Muscle relaxation
- Controlled breathing
- Biofeedback
- Self-hypnosis
- Time management
- Social support
- Assertiveness training
- Coping skills training
Other techniques that may help include therapeutic massage, yoga, and physical
therapy.
Surgery
Although recent advances in joint surgery have improved the lives of millions
of people throughout the world, surgery is NOT the first line of treatment
for osteoarthritis.
Surgery is reserved for people who have:
- Severe pain that is not relieved by available treatment methods
- Marked joint instability
- Significantly impaired ability to perform important daily activities due
to pain and loss of mobility
Before surgery is ever contemplated, simpler treatments must be tried. Moreover,
most surgeons prefer not to perform operative procedures in younger people
unless their quality of life is severely affected by arthritis.
When surgery is necessary, it is performed by an orthopedic surgeon -- a specialist
in surgery of the bones and joints.
There are four main types of surgery available:
Fusion
Fusion of the joint, otherwise known as arthrodesis, is a procedure in which
the surfaces of the joint are removed and the bone ends are united. This provides
pain relief and stability, but the joint cannot bend.
Lack of mobility is a serious disadvantage of this procedure. Nevertheless,
this is the preferred surgery for some younger individuals who have a single
involved joint. Mobility in the other joints often will compensate for the
loss of movement in the fused joint. The joints most commonly fused are smaller
joints, such as those in the toes or fingers.
Younger people with severe arthritis of the hip or knee, in whom fusion was
once offered, are now considered for total joint replacement (see below), though
depending on the individual a fusion may sometimes be preferable.
Osteotomy
Osteotomy is an operation in which the surgeon cuts the bone below the affected
joint, realigns it, and resets it in a better position. This procedure changes
and improves the contact between the remaining healthy areas of cartilage in
the joint. Afterwards, the painful areas do not rub against each other.
 |
Click the icon to see an illustrated series explaining a tibial osteotomy.
|
Osteotomy provides pain relief and leaves the joint mobile. However, it can
only be performed in a joint that is not already stiff. Osteotomy usually is
reserved for joints with uneven damage. It is not performed frequently, although
the procedure sometimes is a good choice for younger arthritis sufferers, since
it can prevent further joint damage and postpone the need for joint replacement
surgery. [For example, osteotomy of the tibia (shinbone) is performed to correct
curvature and weight-bearing in the lower leg of adults with osteoarthritis
of the knee.]
Arthroscopy
Through the use of arthroscopy -- the examination of the inside of a joint
using a device that contains a tiny video camera -- the physician can look
for damaged tissue directly within the joint.
A small incision is made through the skin alongside the affected joint. Then,
microsurgical tools are used to remove areas of cartilage or cartilage fragments
that are causing irritation and thoroughly wash out the joint. Arthroscopy
is an outpatient procedure and does not require an overnight stay in the hospital.
Arthroscopy may provide temporary relief from symptoms -- especially those
caused by cartilage tears or particles. However, it does not stop the progression
of osteoarthritis. It may help for a month in some, 6 months or much longer
in others, and sometimes not at all.
Total joint replacement
Total joint replacement involves the complete removal of the painful joint,
which is exchanged for fabricated appliance. The artificial joint can be fashioned
from a combination of materials, including stainless steel, Vitallium (a cobalt-chromium
alloy), titanium, and high-density polyethylene plastic. Silicone rubber occasionally
is used for joint replacements (such as the hand or base of the thumb), if
the surgeon elects not to fuse the joint.
The hip and knee have shown the greatest successes of all joint replacement
surgery. Over 90% of people are free of pain and have good mobility following
hip replacement surgery for osteoarthritis. Other joints that are less commonly
replaced are the shoulder and elbow.
 |
Click the icon to see an illustrated series explaining a knee replacement
surgery.
|
 |
Click the icon to see an illustrated series explaining a hip replacement
surgery.
|
Unfortunately, joint replacements tend to last only 10 - 20 years. But another
replacement generally can be performed, if needed.
.
Q: I have osteoarthritis in my hip joint. Will I need surgery to
correct it?
A: Very likely, no. Most people with osteoarthritis never need to
have surgery. Surgery only becomes an option if the person suffers
from:
- Severe pain that is not relieved by available treatment methods
- A dramatically impaired ability to perform daily activities
- Marked joint instability.
Simpler treatments must always be tried before surgery is considered.
Q: Will moving to a different climate improve my osteoarthritis?
A: It is well known that arthritis sufferers often feel more joint pain
in damp locations, just before it rains, or sometimes during humid periods.
However, osteoarthritis occurs in all climates. The effect of the weather
really is a temporary effect on symptoms and does not actually affect
the disease. This means that climate does not improve or worsen arthritis,
although it may affect the symptoms. |
New techniques for cartilage repair
Many people have heard reports about new techniques to repair damaged joint
cartilage. Such techniques include a surgical procedure known as "cartilage
transplantation" and "cartilage regeneration."
Cartilage transplantation has been performed in Europe, but its availability
in the U.S. remains largely experimental.
Review Date: 11/22/2006
Reviewed By: Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Stanford University School of Medicine;
Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
