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The thyroid may be small, but it plays a significant role in your overall health and wellness. This butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your throat produces and regulates hormones that influence your metabolism and energy level, cholesterol, heart rate, body temperature, and more.

How to Manage an Overactive Thyroid

Balanced thyroid hormones allow your body’s many systems to properly function, and issues with the thyroid can impact many aspects of your health. There are two main types of thyroid imbalances that may occur: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, accelerating the metabolism beyond normal.

Hypothyroidism occurs when an underactive thyroid leads to lower-than-normal levels of thyroid hormone.

Without treatment, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to more serious complications. Below, we explain how to manage these disorders and maintain a balanced thyroid.

Several conditions or health factors may lead to overproduction of thyroid hormone. Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies overly stimulate the thyroid, is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism, accounting for 85% of all cases.

The development of thyroid nodules, which are typically benign lumps or growths in the thyroid that produce more hormones than needed

Thyroiditis, or thyroid inflammation, which most commonly occurs after pregnancy due to an underlying autoimmune disease or unknown cause

Excess consumption of iodine — a mineral critical to the production of thyroid hormone — through diet or medications

There are also several known factors that may increase your risk of developing the condition, including:

Health conditions including pernicious anemia, type 1 diabetes, and primary adrenal insufficiency (also known as Addison’s disease)

Hyperthyroidism is associated with a wide range of signs and symptoms such as the following:

Unintentional weight loss even with increased food intake

Enlarged thyroid gland at the base of your neck

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may be subtle for some individuals. In addition, many common symptoms overlap with those of other health conditions. If you have any concerns about your thyroid health, consult with your provider for an evaluation.

Hyperthyroidism is associated with irregular menstrual cycles, which can lead to difficulty conceiving. Many people initially learn of a hyperthyroidism diagnosis after experiencing fertility challenges. The treatment options described in more detail below can help restore hormone levels and ovulation.

The thyroid affects so many areas of your health and wellness, and untreated hypothyroidism can lead to other health issues such as the following.

An underactive thyroid can increase levels of LDL cholesterol, leading to a greater risk of heart disease and heart failure.

Hypothyroidism is also linked to depression.

An underactive thyroid can affect ovulation, or the release of a mature egg from the ovaries during a menstrual cycle. Treatment for hypothyroidism may address fertility issues by restoring hormone levels and ovulation.

In the long term, untreated hypothyroidism can damage the peripheral nerves, which carry information from your brain and spinal cord to other parts of your body. This can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling.

There are several ways to diagnose hyperthyroidism, including a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests.

Your healthcare provider may check your thyroid, eyes, heart, hands, and skin during a physical exam to confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.

Your provider may recommend thyroid function testing, which consists of measuring your thyroid hormone levels via blood samples. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by elevated levels of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and lower-than-normal levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Your provider may also use one or more imaging tests to more closely examine your thyroid, including a radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test, a thyroid scan, and a thyroid ultrasound.

There are a variety of treatment options for hyperthyroidism. Your provider will make individualized recommendations based on the cause of your hyperthyroidism and your overall health history.

The following types of medications are commonly used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Anti-thyroid medications including methimazole (Tapazole®) and propylthiouracil (PTU) reduce symptoms by preventing over-production of thyroid hormones. These medications are typically taken for at least a year, though symptoms may improve within weeks or months.

Radioactive iodine is an oral medication that targets overactive thyroid cells, causing the thyroid to shrink and lowering hormone levels within a few weeks. This treatment approach permanently affects thyroid function, so symptoms of hyperthyroidism will not reappear. In most cases, the use of thyroid hormone medications is necessary after this treatment to maintain balanced hormone levels.

Beta blockers can control associated symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, nervousness, or tremors. These medications cause the heart to beat more slowly and less forcefully. They will not change hormone levels and are typically used in tandem with anti-thyroid medications or radioactive iodine therapy. Commonly prescribed beta blockers include atenolol (Tenormin®), bisoprolol (Zebeta®), metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor®), metoprolol succinate (Toprol-XL®), acebutolol (Sectral®), and propranolol (Inderal®).

Some cases of hyperthyroidism require removal of part or all of the thyroid gland in a procedure known as a thyroidectomy. While this is effective at treating hyperthyroidism, it can result in hypothyroidism, which requires ongoing use of thyroid supplements.

Iodine consumption can contribute to the development of hyperthyroidism or worsen symptoms. Managing hyperthyroidism often includes monitoring iodine intake.

If your provider recommends following a low-iodine diet, try to avoid or limit your intake of seafood and seaweed, which have the highest iodine content of all foods. Other high-iodine foods to consume in moderation include milk and dairy products, egg yolk, and iodized salt.

Never make significant changes to your diet without first consulting your provider or a nutritionist.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Other significant contributing factors include:

Thyroid surgery, which can affect hormone production

Radiation therapy to treat cancer, if targeting the head or neck

Anyone can develop hypothyroidism, but several known factors may increase your risk, including:

Sex - the condition occurs more frequently in women than in men

Age - the condition occurs more frequently in those over 60

Having another autoimmune disorder such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease

Symptoms of hypothyroidism often develop gradually, over the course of many years. These are among the most common and significant:

If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism, your doctor will likely use a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test to confirm a diagnosis. This simple blood test measures the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood.

One challenge of diagnosing hypothyroidism is that symptoms frequently overlap with those of other health issues.

Hypothyroidism is manageable. Treatment allows you to control symptoms such as elevated LDL cholesterol levels and weight gain, preventing potential health complications.

The main goal of treatment is to increase your thyroid levels. Levothyroxine (Levo-T®, Synthroid®, Tirosint®), a synthetic thyroid hormone taken orally, is often the starting point.

Another synthetic thyroid hormone, liothyronine (Cytomel®), may also help treat low thyroid levels.

There are formulations that combine levothyroxine and liothyronine.

The majority of individuals with hypothyroidism need to take medication every day on an ongoing basis, though some mild cases are resolved with short-term treatment.

How to Manage an Overactive or Underactive Thyroid

A healthy immune system offers protection against the bacteria and viruses that cause illness, deploying antibodies that attack these invaders. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system cannot differentiate between outside germs and healthy cells and mistakenly attacks various tissues and organs throughout the body.

What is an autoimmune disease?

A healthy immune system offers protection against the bacteria and viruses that cause illness, deploying antibodies that attack these invaders. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system cannot differentiate between germs and the body’s own cells and mistakenly attacks various tissues and organs.

There are more than 80 of these conditions, with variation in the affected area of the body; some of the most common autoimmune disorders involve the joints and muscles, digestive tract, nervous system, and skin. There is also significant variation in day-to-day life with autoimmune disorders. Some, like type 1 diabetes, require daily management, while others may have periods of intensified symptoms known as flare-ups. In all cases, there are treatment options that can reduce discomfort and help you experience a better quality of life. Here’s what to know about the most common types of autoimmune disorders.

Causes and symptoms of autoimmune disorders

Many autoimmune disorders do not have a specific known trigger, but the following factors may play a role in the development of certain conditions.

Genetics — some autoimmune disorders such as lupus and multiple sclerosis run in families and likely have a genetic component.

Sex — of the 23.5 million Americans living with an autoimmune disease, 78% are women. Specific autoimmune disorders that are more common in women than men include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus and multiple sclerosis, among others.

Obesity — being overweight or obese may increase an individual’s risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis.

Smoking — research suggests a connection between cigarette smoking and lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and multiple sclerosis.

Medications — some medications including blood pressure medications, statins (which are commonly used to treat high cholesterol), and antibiotics may increase a person’s risk for certain autoimmune disorders. Consult with your doctor about medication side effects if you have concerns.

While exact symptoms and treatment options vary by condition, as explained in more detail below, there is also some overlap. Fatigue, joint pain and swelling, rashes and other skin issues, digestive issues, and swollen glands are common signs of a variety of autoimmune disorders.

Most autoimmune disorders do not have one single test to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. With the majority of these conditions, the diagnosis process involves several steps including a physical exam and multiple tests.

If you have potential symptoms of an autoimmune disease, a common first step is an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test. This is a blood test that checks for antinuclear antibodies, the type of antibodies that attack healthy cells. If you have a positive ANA result, your doctor will likely recommend additional tests to identify the specific autoimmune disease.

A negative ANA test does not necessarily mean that you do not have an autoimmune disease. If you have negative ANA results, your doctor may recommend additional tests for other antibodies or inflammation markers depending on your symptoms. Tests used to diagnose autoimmune disorders include:

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test — which examines how quickly your red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube — may be used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Higher rates of settlement may indicate inflammation.

A c-reactive protein (CRP) test — which identifies your blood levels of CRP, an inflammation-linked protein produced in your liver — may be used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease.

A rheumatoid factor (RF) test checks for rheumatoid factor, an antibody found in about 80% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may refer you to one of the following specialists:

A rheumatologist who treats autoimmune disorders of the joints and muscles including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

A gastroenterologist who treats autoimmune disorders of the digestive system including Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis.

An endocrinologist who treats autoimmune disorders of the endocrine system including Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

A dermatologist who treats skin-related autoimmune disorders including psoriasis.

Common autoimmune disorders and treatment

These are some of the most common types of autoimmune disorders affecting individuals in the U.S. Symptoms, treatment, and diagnostic tests vary by condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks the lining of your joints, causing pain and inflammation throughout your body. It is a progressive condition, and getting an early diagnosis and staying proactive about treatment can help prevent more severe damage to your joints.

Several medications may be used to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, including over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil®), aspirin (Bayer®) or naproxen (Aleve®); acetaminophen (Tylenol®); and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors such as baricitinib (Olumiant®), tofacitinib (Xeljanz®), and upadacitinib (Rinvoq®). In addition, avoiding or reducing your intake of sugars and refined carbohydrates and gluten can also help reduce inflammation.

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate (Rheumatrex®), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®), and leflunomide (Arava®) and injectable biologic DMARDs like etanercept (Enbrel®), infliximab (Remicade®), adalimumab (Humira®), and certolizumab pegol (Cimzia®) are often prescribed to slow tissue damage.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that occurs when the body mistakenly attacks the pancreas with antibodies. This destroys the pancreas’s insulin-producing cells, so individuals with type 1 diabetes cannot produce any insulin and rely on daily insulin therapy to manage their blood sugar.

For more information on managing type 1 diabetes, read our previous blogs:

What’s the Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

How to Live with Type 1 Diabetes at Any Age

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that occurs when inflammation caused by an immune response causes new skin cells to grow too quickly. It is characterized by thick patches of skin covered with white or silver scales, also referred to as plaques. There is a genetic component, and psoriasis often runs in families. 

Many individuals with psoriasis experience periodic flare-ups. While not all psoriasis flare-ups can be attributed to a specific cause, skin injury, stress, and cold weather are common triggers.

There are a variety of treatments for psoriasis, including steroid creams; anthralin (Drithocreme HP® and Zithranol®), an anti-inflammatory medication; moisturizers; UV light therapy; vitamin D3 ointment; and vitamin A creams.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus, affects many different parts of the body including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and heart. Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling, severe fatigue, and rashes. Without effective treatment, lupus can lead to other health complications over time, including blood clots and inflammation of the heart or kidneys, and increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Getting diagnosed early and starting treatment as soon as possible is critical to managing lupus.

Lupus treatment varies depending on the severity of symptoms and which part of the body is affected. Other-the-counter NSAIDs and oral corticosteroids including prednisone (Deltasone®, Prednicot®) may be used to treat joint pain and stiffness. Antimalarial medications including hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®) are often prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation, prevent flare-ups, and treat rashes.

Inflammatory bowel disease refers to several autoimmune diseases that affect the digestive tract including Crohn’s disease, which involves any part of the small or large intestine, and ulcerative colitis, which involves the colon, rectum, or both organs.

Common symptoms of both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloody stools, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Many individuals with these conditions experience periods of time without symptoms, also known as remission. Treatment options include the following:

Antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory medications such as oral 5-aminosalicylates and corticosteroids

Immunomodulators, a group of medications that act on the immune system to reduce the inflammation that causes Crohn’s

Biologics, a group of medications that are derived from antibodies and used to prevent inflammation in more severe cases, such as adalimumab (Humira®), golimumab (Simponi®), infliximab (Remicade®), tofacitinib (Xeljanz®), ustekinumab (Stelara®), and vedolizumab (Entyvio®)

Other common autoimmune diseases include:

Multiple sclerosis, which affects the nervous system

Addison’s disease, which affects the adrenal glands

Graves’ disease, which affects the thyroid gland in the neck

Celiac disease, which affects the digestive tract

Living with any chronic condition is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists have specialized training in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and can answer any questions you may have, from medication side effects to non-pharmacological treatment options and navigating lifestyle changes. In addition, we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with your treatment.

To learn more, reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints, leading to pain and inflammation throughout your body. While it can cause discomfort, there are many effective treatment options that can help reduce the frequency of flare-ups and prevent the condition from progressing to a more advanced stage.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints, leading to pain and inflammation throughout your body. While it can cause discomfort, there are many effective treatment options that can help reduce the frequency of flare-ups and prevent the condition from progressing to a more advanced stage. Read on for information about rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and treatment.

Like all autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis occurs as the result of an improper immune response. However, the specific triggers of this response have not been identified. Evidence suggests that there is a genetic component; some individuals may be more sensitive to certain viruses and bacteria that can trigger rheumatoid arthritis, and having a family history of rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for the condition, especially if you smoke or are overweight.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects about three times as many women as men, potentially due to estrogen levels and sex differences in the physiological effects of stress. Women are also more likely to experience a more severe form of rheumatoid arthritis.

The condition often first develops during middle age, but it can affect anyone of any age. Children and adolescents under 16 may experience a form of arthritis called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints. In most cases, the pain happens on both sides of the body — a symptom that distinguishes rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis. Some individuals also experience joint stiffness that intensifies in the morning and after periods of physical inactivity.

Early-stage rheumatoid arthritis often affects your smaller joints — for example, the joints between your fingers and hands and toes and feet — before spreading to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders. Additional symptoms may include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, and a feeling of weakness.

Symptoms may vary by individual, and they can also fluctuate over time. Many people experience flare-ups in which symptoms intensify, followed by periods of mild symptoms or none at all.

As a progressive condition, rheumatoid arthritis can become more severe if untreated. The inflammation damages your joints, which can lead to chronic pain, balance issues, or misshapen joints. It can also lead to problems in other important organs like your lungs, heart, and eyes.

Getting an early diagnosis makes a big difference in the prognosis and effectiveness of treatment. If you have any concerns about potential rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation.

The diagnosis process often involves several steps. Your doctor will first ask about your medical history and your experience of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. They will then conduct a physical exam of your joints, checking for swelling, redness, and limitations in movement. 

After your physical exam, your doctor may recommend blood tests to check for antibodies and inflammation markers linked to rheumatoid arthritis, including:

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test, which examines how quickly your red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube. Higher rates of settlement may indicate inflammation.

A c-reactive protein (CRP) test, which identifies your blood levels of CRP, an inflammation-linked protein produced in your liver.

A rheumatoid factor (RF) test, which checks for rheumatoid factor, an antibody found in about 80% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

Imaging tests like ultrasounds, X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may also be used to support a diagnosis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is not curable, but there are a variety of treatment options that can help you manage the condition and prevent severe tissue damage.

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen (Advil®), aspirin (Bayer®) or naproxen (Aleve®) can you help you manage pain and inflammation during flare-ups, as well as corticosteroids. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is also effective at reducing pain. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication for an extended period of time.

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors such as baricitinib (Olumiant®), tofacitinib (Xeljanz®), and upadacitinib (Rinvoq®) can also help relieve pain and inflammation.

Other medications may be prescribed to slow the tissue damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis, including disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate (Rheumatrex®), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®), and leflunomide (Arava®), which prevent your immune system’s response to triggers. If a traditional DMARD is not effective, your doctor may prescribe an injectable biologic DMARD, which targets a more specific pathway in your immune system. Commonly prescribed biologic DMARDs include etanercept (Enbrel®), infliximab (Remicade®), adalimumab (Humira®), and certolizumab pegol (Cimzia®).

Many individuals with rheumatoid arthritis use cold compresses and ice packs or hot compresses and warm showers to treat inflammation and pain during flare-ups. Some people prefer a balance of hot and cold treatments.

Making lifestyle adjustments can improve your quality of life and lower your risk for RA-related health complications. 

While rheumatoid arthritis can affect your mobility and limit certain forms of exercise, it’s important to stay physically active. Gentle exercise like water exercise, tai chi, yoga, and stretching can reduce joint pressure and expand your joints’ range of motion.

Nutrition and diet choices can reduce inflammation and help you maintain a healthy weight. Avoid or reduce your intake of foods that may contribute to joint pain and inflammation including sugars and refined carbohydrates and gluten. In addition, consume alcohol in moderation.

Avoiding smoking and getting enough rest are also part of managing rheumatoid arthritis and preventing related health issues.

Since rheumatoid arthritis affects your immune system, those living with the condition often have a higher risk for other infections. Vaccines for the flu, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19 can protect you against illness. Check with your doctor about which vaccines you need.

Life with rheumatoid arthritis is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists have specialized training in arthritis treatment and can answer any questions you may have, from medication side effects to non-pharmacological treatment options and navigating lifestyle changes. In addition, we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with your treatment.

When inflammation persists, it no longer serves a helpful purpose. This type of inflammation, also referred to as chronic inflammation, occurs when your body consistently acts like it’s under attack, releasing white blood cells indefinitely. In the long term, an elevated white blood cell count can affect other organs such as your heart, lungs, and kidneys. Research has also found a connection between chronic inflammation and other chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and Crohn’s disease.

Inflammation, Explained

Acute inflammation is the body’s natural way of fighting infections and injuries as part of the healing process. When you have an injury, blood flow increases as your body instinctively releases white blood cells, proteins, and other inflammatory chemicals to protect the wounded area. This leads to redness, swelling, and pain at the site of injury. The body reacts similarly when you have a virus or cold, but in these instances, the blood cells and inflammatory chemicals are released throughout the whole body rather than to one spot. This type of inflammation is good for you, as it allows your body to heal.

But when inflammation persists, it no longer serves a helpful purpose. This type of inflammation, also referred to as chronic inflammation, occurs when your body consistently acts like it’s under attack, releasing white blood cells indefinitely. In the long term, an elevated white blood cell count can affect other organs such as your heart, lungs, and kidneys. Research has also found a connection between chronic inflammation and other chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and Crohn’s disease.

Read on for more information about the causes and symptoms of chronic inflammation and how to prevent or treat it.

Causes and symptoms of chronic inflammation

Several known factors can trigger chronic inflammation:

Lifestyle factors including obesity, diet, smoking, alcohol use, stress, and sleep disorders

Autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes or lupus, in which the body mistakenly attacks itself

Long-term exposure to pollution, industrial chemicals, or other toxins

Some individuals with this type of inflammation experience fatigue, fever, and joint and muscle pain. However, while there are clear physical signs of acute inflammation, chronic inflammation does not always have visible symptoms.

Your doctor can help determine if you have chronic inflammation. They will likely ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam as a first step. They may then order additional tests to detect inflammation. These tests look for various indications of inflammation in your body, but they cannot formally diagnose inflammation or any other health condition. Rather, they provide a more comprehensive picture of your health so that your doctor can recommend the best next steps.

Potential tests your doctor may recommend during this process include a C-reactive protein (CRP) test and/or an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test. A CRP test identifies your blood levels of CRP, a protein produced in your liver. Chronic and acute inflammation have both been linked to high levels of CRP.

An ESR test examines how quickly your red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube, with higher rates of settlement pointing toward more inflammation. Doctors often recommend this test when there is a possibility of high inflammation.

Sometimes these tests may help your doctor diagnose an inflammation-linked condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or type 2 diabetes.

Chronic inflammation and other health conditions

There is a connection between chronic inflammation and many other health conditions. Inflammation can occur directly as the result of rheumatoid arthritis, which is both an autoimmune condition and an inflammatory disease. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks your joints — often in your hands, writs, and knees — which leads to inflammation. There is also a direct link between inflammation and other inflammatory diseases, like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Inflammation has also been linked to heart disease and diabetes, but research into this connection is ongoing. While inflammation is more common in individuals with these health conditions, there is not yet definitive evidence that inflammation by itself directly increases your risk for these conditions.

Inflammation in the walls of your blood vessels has been linked to atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in your arteries. In the long term, atherosclerosis increases your risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Since obesity, smoking, and physical activity are all risk factors for inflammation, heart disease, and diabetes, the overlap of these risk factors likely plays a role in the connection between the conditions. The good news is that a single healthy choice can lower your risk for all three diseases at once.

Your healthcare provider will recommend treatment based on the type of inflammation you have, however not all cases of chronic inflammation require medication.

Two types of medications are commonly used to lower both acute and chronic inflammation: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen (Advil®), aspirin (Bayer®) or naproxen (Aleve®) and oral steroids including prednisone (Deltasone®, Prednicot®), methylprednisolone (Medrol®), and dexamethasone (Decadron®, Dexasone®). Steroid injections can reduce inflammation in a specific joint or muscle and are often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

If you have an inflammatory disease, your doctor may recommend medications specifically used to treat that disease. Medication classes commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases include:

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate (Rheumatrex®), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®), and leflunomide (Arava®). These medications can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Statins, a type of medication commonly used to treat high cholesterol. They have anti-inflammatory effects and can lower CRP levels.

You can also fight inflammation simply by what you eat. An anti-inflammatory diet includes antioxidant-rich foods like the following: 

Cherries, blueberries, oranges, and other fruits

There are also some foods that have been linked to higher levels of inflammation. If you have chronic inflammation, your doctor may suggest limiting your intake of the foods below as part of your treatment plan:

White bread, pasta, pastries, and other refined carbohydrates

Soda, fruit juices with added sugar, energy drinks, and other beverages high in sugar

Red meat and processed meat like hot dogs and sausage

At Alto, we’re committed to making it as simple as possible to prioritize your health and well-being and stay on top of your medications.  We will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to ensure your medications are as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

Reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Blog

How to Manage an Overactive or Underactive Thyroid

What is an autoimmune disease?

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis

Inflammation, Explained

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