Antirheumatic is a word used to describe drugs or treatments that alleviate the symptoms of rheumatism. This word consists of five syllables: an-ti-rheu-ma-tic, with the stress on the third syllable, "ma". The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˌæn.ti.ruːˈmæt.ɪk/. The first syllable, "an", is pronounced like the word "can". The second syllable, "ti" is pronounced like the word "tea". The third and fourth syllables, "rheu-ma", are pronounced like the words "room" and "mah", respectively. Finally, the fifth syllable, "tic", is pronounced like the word "tick".
Antirheumatic is an adjective used to describe substances, medications, or treatments that alleviate or prevent the symptoms and progression of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases encompass a variety of conditions that affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues, often resulting in pain, inflammation, stiffness, and impaired mobility.
Antirheumatic substances typically function by targeting the underlying causes of rheumatic diseases, such as autoimmune responses or the accumulation of immune complexes. They can help reduce pain and inflammation, relieve joint stiffness, and slow down the progression of damage to the affected tissues.
These substances may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, biologic response modifiers, immunosuppressants, and other related medications. Some antirheumatic drugs are frequently used in combination to provide enhanced effectiveness or reduce the risk of side effects.
In addition to medications, antirheumatic therapies may also involve physical therapy, exercise programs, lifestyle modifications, and supportive treatments aimed at promoting overall joint health, reducing pain, and maintaining or improving joint function.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a rheumatologist, for proper diagnosis, evaluation, and management of rheumatic diseases. They can provide personalized recommendations regarding the most appropriate antirheumatic approaches to address individual needs and optimize the quality of life for patients.
Preventive or curative of rheumatism.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "antirheumatic" is derived from the combination of two roots: "anti-" and "rheumatic".
1. "Anti-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "antí" meaning "against" or "opposite". This prefix is commonly used in English to indicate opposition or resistance to something.
2. "Rheumatic" is an adjective derived from the noun "rheumatism", which refers to a diverse range of conditions characterized by inflammation, pain, or stiffness in muscles, joints, or connective tissues. "Rheumatism" comes from the Latin word "rheuma", which means "a swelling" or "discharge of the nose". The Latin term likely traces back to the Greek word "rheumatismos", derived from "rheumatizesthai" meaning "to suffer from a flux".