Do I have rheumatoid arthritis or chikungunya?

Today, it is common to hear that an acquaintance, friend or family member has arthritis, but it is important to know that there are different types of arthritis. It is generally divided into non-inflammatory arthritis and inflammatory arthritis. The most common non-inflammatory arthritis is degenerative arthritis, known as osteoarthritis. The most common inflammatory arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although at present we see many cases of inflammatory arthritis chikungunya virus, we must be able to recognize other types of inflammatory arthritis, since treatment varies between these.

Infection with chikungunya virus has an incubation period of two to seven days after being bitten by the mosquito. Affected individuals have a high fever, followed by pain and swelling of the joints (arthritis), among other symptoms such as muscle pain, headache and rash. The presentation of arthritis is sudden then start with fever and joints are affected on both sides of the body of immigration way.

Joints commonly affected by the virus are the joints of the hands, feet, wrists and ankles, but has also been reported arthritis in the elbows, shoulders and knees. The fever may last from one to seven days. All symptoms usually resolve before two weeks, but in some cases the signs and symptoms of arthritis may persist for months.

Furthermore, RA is a disease characterized by inflammation of three or more joints on both sides of the body, with a symmetrical pattern, for over six weeks.

The inflammation results in joint pain, numbness mañanero (usually lasts over an hour) and swelling of the same. The joints may be affected are the hands, wrists, cervical spine (neck), elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles and feet. Other extra-articular manifestations include malaise, fatigue, nodules under the skin, anemia, inflammation of the eyes or lungs.

If not treated in time can cause erosions or fusion of joint bones (ankylosis), resulting in destruction of the affected joint, limitation of motion and deformity.

Unlike the clinical presentation of chikungunya virus, the AR is not characterized by a prior viral high fever or rash. Your doctor can differentiate with the clinical presentation and laboratory.

Treatment of RA include anti-inflammatory drugs that prevent progression of the disease and physical therapy. Medications recommended that prevent disease progression are methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, and leflunomide.

Biological drugs, which act by selectively inhibiting inflammatory cells and molecules are also used. The goal of treatment is to achieve remission or low activity of the condition, prevent joint destruction, and help people stay active. Each patient is individual, and if the AR is not controlled with medication, to be replaced by another at the right time.

In contrast, treatment of the early stage of infection with chikungunya virus consists of hydration, and reduce the symptoms with drugs to reduce fever, pain control and inflammation. Recommended medications are acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. You should see a rheumatologist if symptoms persist, or if there is doubt the correct diagnosis.