Other Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis (cont.)
Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other areas of the body, and these symptoms may be treated individually.
- Sjögren's syndrome can cause eye dryness and may be treated with eye drops to moisturize, and also drops to increase tear production such as cyclosporine (Restasis). Dry mouth related to Sjögren's may be treated with prescription mouthwashes and toothpastes.
- Inflammation of the lung lining (pleuritis) or the lungs themselves may require treatment with corticosteroids.
- Inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart (pericarditis) usually requires keeping the overall inflammation levels down and many RA drugs can help.
- Inflammation of the spleen (Felty's syndrome) can cause a decrease in white blood cells, which raises the risk of infections and may be treated with a stimulating factor (granulocyte stimulating factor/GSF) used to increase the amount of white blood cells.
- Rheumatoid nodules may require injections of steroids, or surgery to remove them if they are severe.
- Inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) may be treated with painkillers, antibiotics, and protecting the areas affected.
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