Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Locomotivegirl on 25/10/2008 11:11:42

Title: Can spider bites trigger autoimmune diseases?
Post by: Locomotivegirl on 25/10/2008 11:11:42

Keeley asked the Naked Scientists:

My husband has been sick for 10 weeks. He got some sort of spider bite and now has Rheumatoid Arthritis.  He can hardly walk; is this an
auto immune response?

What do you think?

Title: Can spider bites trigger autoimmune diseases?
Post by: RD on 25/10/2008 12:41:06

Ticks (which look like spiders) can transmit a bacterial infection called Lyme disease (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyme_disease).
Lyme disease can affect many areas, including joints...

Quote

If Lyme disease is untreated, about 60% of people will experience symptoms of arthritis (joint inflammation) within several months of being infected

http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/lymedisease/LYM_symptoms.html

Title: Can spider bites trigger autoimmune diseases?
Post by: Bored chemist on 25/10/2008 21:37:15

Your husband needs to see a doctor about this rather than relying on this website.

Title: Can spider bites trigger autoimmune diseases?
Post by: Locomotivegirl on 27/10/2008 10:38:24

Quote from: Locomotivegirl on 25/10/2008 11:11:42

Keeley asked the Naked Scientists:

My husband has been sick for 10 weeks. He got some sort of spider bite and now has Rheumatoid Arthritis.  He can hardly walk; is this an
auto immune response?

What do you think?

he has seen several doctors, they have ruled out Lyme  and ms. He cannot function with out Prednasone. But nothing else works.

Title: Can spider bites trigger autoimmune diseases?
Post by: RD on 27/10/2008 14:33:06

Quote from: Locomotivegirl on 27/10/2008 10:38:24

He cannot function with out Prednasone. But nothing else works.

There are alternatives to prednisone for Rheumatoid Arthritis ...

Quote

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is a category of otherwise unrelated drugs defined by their use in rheumatoid arthritis to slow down disease progression. The term is often used in contrast to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which refers to agents that treat the inflammation but not the underlying cause.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disease-modifying_antirheumatic_drug


Prednisone (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prednisone) is steroid treatment, its long term use can have serious side effects.
You/He should investigate these steroid-sparing DMARDs: he should see rheumatologist (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheumatology).

Title: Can spider bites trigger autoimmune diseases?
Post by: Locomotivegirl on 28/11/2009 00:52:43

Well we have found out what it was, it only took a year but he has Reactive Arthritis and now is going through treatment.  Please email me at locomotivegirl@q.com for more info on this diagnosis thanks everyone for trying to help me.

Quote from: Locomotivegirl on 25/10/2008 11:11:42

Keeley asked the Naked Scientists:

My husband has been sick for 10 weeks. He got some sort of spider bite and now has Rheumatoid Arthritis.  He can hardly walk; is this an
auto immune response?

What do you think?