This article discusses PsA and Crohn’s disease. Dive into the article to know what these conditions are, their symptoms, and their similarities.
Basic Information behind Psoriatic arthritis and Crohn’s disease.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and Crohn’s disease are both inflammatory conditions that affect the joints and the digestive system, respectively. Treatments and risk factors for these conditions can overlap.
What is Psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects some people with the skin condition psoriasis. With such arthritis, affected joints usually become swollen, stiff and painful.
Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term condition that progressively gets worse and joints may get progressively worse and surgery might be needed.
Figure 1: Hand with Psoriatic arthritic
Cause of Psoriatic arthritis:
Almost 1 in 3 people have Psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis happens due to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissues. However, the reason why some people have Psoriatic arthritis whilst others don’t is still unclear.
Medicine used for psoriatic arthritis:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Corticosteroids
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Biological therapies
How do PsA and Crohn’s disease link?
People with PsA can develop digestive issues related to IBD. Conditions cause abnormal immune system responses resulting in attacks of healthy tissues.
In a 2016 review in the journal, Psoriasis found people with psoriasis are more likely to receive an IDB diagnosis. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, about 30% of people with psoriasis will go on to develop PsA.
Other studies stated that there are genetic connections between PsA and Crohn’s disease. Researchers also discovered there is an imbalance in the friendly microbes that are in the gut, leading to the development of psoriatic comorbidities.
Treating both PsA and Crohn’s disease
There are meds that can treat both. Because the origins of PsA and IBD are similar, some treatments (e.g newer biological drugs, infliximab and adalimumab, do double duty).
Your doctor will decide the best therapy considering other illnesses you might have and your preference for either pills or injectables. This is why it is important to tell your doctor about all of your symptoms, so he can pick a medication that works best in your situation.
Moreover, having diets with low saturated fats, cholesterol, and simple sugars also help with both PsA and Crohn’s disease.
Summary and personal opinion
PsA and Crohn’s disease are inflammatory conditions affecting the joints and digestive system, respectively. People with symptoms of such inflammatory conditions should seek medical help as soon as possible and work with a doctor to find the best possible solution for their case.
Citation:
“Psoriatic Arthritis.” Nhs.uk, 18 Oct. 2017, www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/#:~:text=Psoriatic%20arthritis%20is%20a%20type.
“What’s the Difference between Psoriatic Arthritis and Crohn’s Disease?” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 28 June 2022, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psoriatic-arthritis-and-crohns-disease#links-between-the-conditions. Accessed 23 Jan. 2023.
“What’s the Link between Psoriatic Arthritis and IBD?” Verywell Health, www.verywellhealth.com/psoriatic-arthritis-and-ibd-5220402#citation-2. Accessed 23 Jan. 2023.
Bassukas, Ioannis, et al. “Psoriasis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Links and Risks.” Psoriasis: Targets and Therapy, vol. Volume 6, July 2016, pp. 73–92, www.dovepress.com/psoriasis-and-inflammatory-bowel-disease-links-and-risks-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-PTT, 10.2147/ptt.s85194. Accessed 4 Nov. 2019.
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