Old Wang is 71 years old this year. She has always been in good health, but recently she has been tormented by a “strange disease” and has been unable to sleep or eat.
“At first I thought it was just a common flu. I didn’t see any improvement after a few days of injections. My joints ached badly, especially in the morning when I got up. I was as stiff as a wooden man…” Lao Wang recalled.
What is going on? Let us learn about this rare but noteworthy disease – polymyalgia rheumatoid arthritis.
【Diagnosis process】
The story began in September last year. Mr. Wang suddenly had a fever of over 38 degrees. He went to the hospital for a checkup and was diagnosed with influenza B. Normally, the fever from influenza should get better after three days, but Mr. Wang’s condition became increasingly abnormal:
The fever was gone, but the pain in the neck, back and joints persisted, especially the pain in the shoulders and hips. The joints were stiff for more than an hour every morning and occasionally had a low-grade fever. The pain at night affected my sleep and it was difficult to turn over in the morning. I went to many hospitals, saw orthopedics and internal medicine, but the cause was not found. It was not until 25 days after the onset of the disease that I finally found the answer in a tertiary hospital – polymyalgia rheumatoid (PMR).
What is Polymyalgia Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Polymyalgia rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that mainly affects the shoulders and hips in people over 50 years of age. It is characterized by:
Typical symptoms: pain in shoulders, neck and hips, morning stiffness, limited mobility, elevated systemic inflammatory indicators 2. Diagnostic criteria (must be met at the same time):
Age>50 years old Bilateral shoulder pain Elevated inflammatory markers (CRP or ESR) Morning stiffness>45 minutes Hip pain or limited mobility Rheumatoid factor is normal [Why do you get PMR after the flu?]
At present, the medical community believes that the onset of PMR is related to the following factors:
The immune system abnormally responds to specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes triggered by infectious agents just like a key fits a lock:
Infection = trigger (key) Specific gene = susceptible constitution (lock) Immune response = chain reaction after opening the door In addition to influenza, other infections may also induce PMR:
Mycoplasma pneumonia, Chlamydia pneumonia, Herpes zoster, New Coronavirus, etc. [Sharing of diagnosis and treatment experience]
Lao Wang’s treatment plan is to take 15 mg of prednisone orally every day. The effect is very good after taking the medicine:
The pain was significantly relieved, the mobility was improved, and the sleep quality was enhanced. The doctor gradually reduced the dosage within 6 months, but the symptoms recurred when the dosage was reduced to 1 mg/day. After adjusting to 5 mg/day, the condition was well controlled.
【Doctor’s reminder】
Warning signs: If you experience the following symptoms after the flu, you should seek medical attention immediately: persistent muscle and joint pain, obvious morning stiffness, symmetrical pain (especially in the shoulders and hips), and elevated systemic inflammatory indicators. 2. Differential diagnosis: Other possibilities need to be ruled out:
Cervical spondylosis, hypothyroidism , rheumatoid arthritis , malignant tumors, etc. 3. Treatment principles:
Timely diagnosis , standardized medication, regular follow-up , and gradual adjustment of dosage [Expert advice]
The symptoms of influenza in the elderly should be taken seriously and should not be simply considered as “normal symptoms of old age”. If persistent symptoms occur, it is recommended to: seek medical attention in time, complete relevant examinations to find the cause and receive standardized treatment . 3. During treatment, pay attention to:
Follow the doctor’s instructions, take medication regularly, and have follow -up examinations . Do not stop taking medication or change the dosage without authorization. Maintain moderate exercise. Although polymyalgia rheumatoid arthritis is rare, as long as it is discovered in time and treated in a standardized manner, the prognosis is usually good. I hope that through Lao Wang’s case, more people will understand this disease and achieve early detection and early diagnosis and treatment.
If you or your family members experience similar symptoms, it is recommended that you seek medical attention in a timely manner and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a professional doctor. After all, health is the foundation of a happy life, and timely treatment can help you enjoy a better life.
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