Anaemia
– a condition caused by lack of haemoglobin and red blood cells, which may be a result of low iron levels
Autoimmune disease
– where the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells in the body, mistaking them for viruses or hazards
Biological treatments
– these are drug treatments that are used to treat the cause of illnesses like arthritis e.g. they act on the immune system rather than just trying to stop symptoms
Corticosteroid
– anti-inflammatory steroid medication such as hydrocortisone, which treats allergies and inflammation caused by conditions such as asthma, eczema and arthritis
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
– medications used to treat arthritic conditions by slowing down their progression and reducing inflammation and other symptoms
Etanercept
– a drug that some people with arthritis respond to, which blocks the proteins in the body that cause arthritis inflammation
Glucosamine
– a supplement which is taken to ease joint pain
Infliximab
– a medication for arthritis that is given by a drip in a person’s arm, for health conditions that cause inflammation such as arthritis, which block the protein being produced in the body which is causing the inflammation
Joints
– a joint is the point where bones in the body meet each other, most of which contain fluid to help them move smoothly
Methotrexate
– disease modifying medication for arthritis and cancer patients, which comes in tablet or injection form and reduces the over activity of a person’s immune system which is causing their health condition
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
– a medication such as ibuprofen, which is used to reduce inflammation and pain by blocking proteins in the body
Omega 3
– fatty acid found in some foods such as fish, which helps reduce inflammation in the body and is available as a diet supplement
Respiratory system
– the organs in the body responsible for breathing in oxygen, taking it round the body and exhaling carbon dioxide, including, for example, the lungs
Synovial lining
– this is a protective membrane made of delicate tissue, found around the joints
Turmeric
– a spice used in Indian cooking, which is thought to have numerous health benefits including being antioxidant and fighting inflammation, which is available as a high strength tablet or powder supplement