Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, have recently garnered attention for their potential anti-inflammatory effects. This article explores the emerging evidence supporting the use of GLP-1 agonists in treating inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, liver inflammation, and drug-induced lupus.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are both types of inflammatory arthritis that can cause significant discomfort and disability. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics that can help differentiate between the two. This article explores the symptoms of each condition, focusing on muscle inflammation and other key differences.

Gabapentin is a medication commonly used to treat nerve pain and seizures. While it is generally well-tolerated, some users report experiencing side effects, including vision issues such as double vision (diplopia). This article explores the occurrence of double vision as a side effect of Gabapentin, drawing on both user experiences and academic research.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms. Among these, some individuals report experiencing red, swollen, and painful fingers during fibromyalgia flares. This article explores the potential connection between fibromyalgia and these symptoms, drawing on both web and academic sources to provide a comprehensive overview.

Hair loss can be a distressing symptom for individuals experiencing post-exertional malaise (PEM) associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This article explores the connection between PEM and hair loss, drawing on recent research and expert insights.

If you've been diagnosed with hip arthritis, it's crucial to make the most of your specialist appointments. Understanding your condition and exploring all available treatment options can help you maintain mobility and reduce pain. Here are some key questions to consider asking your hip specialist.

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection that can be particularly challenging for individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) on biologic treatments like Simponi. This article explores the intersection of these conditions and provides insights into potential management strategies.

Chilblains, also known as pernio, are small, itchy, and painful swellings on the skin that occur as a reaction to cold temperatures. While they are commonly associated with cold weather, there is emerging interest in their potential connection to autoimmune conditions, including Crohn's disease. This article explores the relationship between chilblains and Crohn's disease, particularly as an extraintestinal manifestation.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints in the pelvis. It can lead to significant discomfort and stiffness, particularly in the lower back. If you've been referred to a rheumatologist due to symptoms like bilateral sclerosis in the sacroiliac joints, it's important to understand the diagnostic process and what to expect during your appointment.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and can lead to significant discomfort and mobility issues. Treatments for AS, such as the infusion medication Symponi Aria, aim to reduce inflammation and improve quality of life. However, patients often wonder how these treatments might impact their fitness levels, muscle growth, and overall physical health.

Bowel perforation is a serious complication that can occur in individuals with Crohn's disease. This condition involves a hole forming in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to severe health issues. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and implications of bowel perforation in Crohn's disease is crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation associated with conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While effective, it can cause a range of side effects, including dry mouth, which some users may experience.

Epilepsy and fibromyalgia are two distinct medical conditions that can sometimes coexist in patients. While epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, fibromyalgia is a chronic condition known for widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness. Understanding the relationship between these two conditions is crucial for effective management and treatment.

Topiramate, commonly known by its brand name Topamax, is a medication often prescribed for the prevention of migraines and the treatment of epilepsy. While many patients report positive outcomes, others experience significant side effects. This article explores the experiences of individuals taking topiramate, its efficacy in treating migraines, and the potential side effects associated with its use.

When managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly during acute flare-ups, corticosteroids are often employed to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. Patients and healthcare providers frequently face the decision between intravenous (IV) steroids and oral prednisone. This article explores the effectiveness, side effects, and outcomes associated with these treatment options, drawing on recent research and clinical insights.

Melatonin, a hormone primarily known for regulating sleep, has been explored for its potential benefits in treating neuroinflammation and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This article delves into the current research and real-life experiences regarding the use of melatonin during the daytime for these conditions.

Filling out disability paperwork for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) can be a daunting task. This guide aims to provide you with practical tips and resources to help you complete the function report, fatigue questionnaire, pain questionnaire, and work history report effectively. By understanding the requirements and gathering the necessary documentation, you can improve your chances of a successful disability claim.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and large joints. While it is well-known for causing inflammation in the spine, there is growing interest in understanding how AS might also affect muscles, including those in the knees, pectoralis major, and neck.

Switching from one biologic medication to another, such as from Humira (adalimumab) to Enbrel (etanercept), is a common strategy for managing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when the initial treatment is not effective. Patients often wonder if the timeline for symptom relief resets when making such a switch. This article explores the expected timeline for symptom relief and whether patients might experience improvements sooner than the typical adjustment period.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and can lead to severe pain and discomfort. As patients seek alternative treatments to manage symptoms, marijuana has emerged as a potential option. This article explores the effects of marijuana on AS symptoms, including pain, inflammation, and overall disease progression, based on current research and patient experiences.

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can be challenging to diagnose, especially when common inflammatory markers and liver enzymes appear normal. This article explores whether it is possible to have Crohn's disease despite low calprotectin, low C-reactive protein (CRP), good morphology, and normal liver enzymes, and whether an endoscopy might still be necessary.

Skyrizi (risankizumab) is a biologic medication used to treat conditions like Crohn's disease, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. As a relatively new treatment, many patients, especially those planning to become pregnant, have questions about its safety during pregnancy. This article explores the current understanding of Skyrizi's safety profile for pregnant women and provides insights from both web and academic sources.

Calprotectin is a protein found in white blood cells, and its presence in stool is a marker of inflammation in the intestines. A calprotectin level of 947 is considered high and often suggests significant intestinal inflammation. However, while high levels are commonly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), they are not exclusively indicative of it. This article explores the potential causes of elevated calprotectin levels and what to expect during a gastroenterological evaluation.

Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is a medication commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. However, its effectiveness can vary among individuals, and persistent symptoms or elevated biomarkers like C-reactive protein (CRP) may indicate a need for further evaluation. This article explores the potential reasons behind unchanged CRP levels and ongoing joint pain despite Cimzia treatment, as well as other conditions that could cause elevated CRP levels.

Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-AxSpA) is a subtype of axial spondyloarthritis characterized by the absence of visible changes on X-ray or MRI, and often normal levels of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). This condition can be challenging to treat, especially when traditional markers of inflammation are not elevated. Biologics have emerged as a treatment option, but their effectiveness in patients with normal CRP/ESR levels remains a topic of interest.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. The role of diet, particularly dairy consumption, in managing AS symptoms has been a topic of interest, especially for those who are lactose intolerant. This article explores the potential link between dairy intake, lactose intolerance, and AS.

With the recent outbreak of measles, individuals who are immunocompromised may have concerns about their immunity status, especially if they are on biologics. This article explores the considerations for receiving a measles booster, the role of titer tests, and the recommendations for immunocompromised individuals.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare, has significantly impacted health insurance coverage in the United States. One common question is whether it covers specific medications, such as Humira, a biologic drug used to treat various autoimmune conditions. This article explores the coverage of Humira under Obamacare and the factors influencing it.

Migraines can be debilitating, and finding the right medication to manage them is crucial for many sufferers. Two popular options for migraine prevention are Qulipta (atogepant) and Emgality (galcanezumab). Both target the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway, but they differ in administration and some effects. This article explores the effectiveness and side effects of these medications, particularly for those considering switching from Qulipta to Emgality.