(RxWiki News) When autoimmune diseases and arthritis conditions are combined, autoimmune arthritis results.
Though there is no actual medical condition called autoimmune arthritis, attention will be drawn to the group of conditions on May 20 with World Autoimmune Arthritis Day (WAAD).
The term encompasses a number of autoimmune conditions that primarily affect the joints of the body. To bring more attention to the condition, the day will extend across 47 hours rather than 24 and hit every time zone worldwide.
"Pain questions? Ask your pharmacist."
Over a 47-hour period to cover every time zone, WAAD will have an online, interactive event consisting of several scheduled awareness activities, posts and sessions on autoimmune arthritis.
Autoimmune arthritis is a term used by the International Autoimmune Arthritis Movement (IAAM) to encompass a group of arthritic diseases that share similar traits, symptoms and treatments.
Conditions that fall under autoimmune arthritis include ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, mixed and undifferentiated connective tissue diseases, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, Still's disease and systemic lupus erythematosus.
The conditions primarily cause joint pain and include a chronic component involving the immune system that causes some kind of inflammation in the body, such as discomfort in the connective tissues, soft tissues and organs. Common symptoms included nausea, fever and fatigue.
Treatment for an autoimmune disease depends on the specific condition.
Mild over-the-counter pain relievers can help with pain, and more serious conditions might call for a prescription like anti-TNF medications that block inflammation.
Other patients have found relief in alternative treatments such as acupuncture, herbal products, chiropractic and hypnosis.
A number of non-profit organizations and experts will provide educational and awareness information to patients and the public beginning 6:00 a.m. EDT on May 19 and ends 5:00 a.m. on May 21 to cover every time zone worldwide for the duration of May 20.
The IAAM, a member of the National Coalition of Autoimmune Patient Groups, is hosting the event. Their aim is to increase education, awareness and research into all aspects of autoimmune diseases.
