Rheumatoid arthritis and enlarged lymph nodes Posted: 05-10-08 10:35am
Is there any indication of RA being linked
to HSV? Since my diagnosis I've been
having frequent outbreaks (which were
previously almost non-existent). Could
there be a link between RA and my
chronically enlarged lymph nodes in my
neck? Also, is there anything I should be
doing while I wait to see Dr (ie: if it
'hurts' should I stop doing things that
may be stressing joints) or is the process
of erosion just going to take it's
course, regardless of what I do?
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DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
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Arthritis Answer A4114 Posted: 05-15-08 16:47pm
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune
disorder. HSV outbreaks are not connected
with the presence of rheumatoid arthritis
for now because you don’t use any
immunosuppressive therapy.
If there are enlarged lymph nodes on the
neck for more than 2 years, a biopsy is
needed to find out why those lymph nodes
are enlarged. Rheumatoid arthritis can
cause enlarged lymph nodes
(lymphadenopathy).
Therapy of RA should be recommended and
monitored by a rheumatologist. Therapy of
RA includes: anti-inflamatory drugs
(corticosteroids and NSAID),
disease-modifying drugs, physical therapy,
surgery, etc. A rheumatologist needs to
prescribe the proper therapy. You can only
take certain painkillers like Motrin.
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