Medical therapy: The main treatment for giant cell arteritis is a high dose of an anti-inflammatory drug such as prednisone and may be supplemented with an immune system suppressant drug such as methotrexate.Lifestyle Changes: To counteract possible side effects of corticosteroid therapy, such as bone loss, it may be necessary to take calcium and vitamin D supplements and lead an active lifestyle.Introspection and Support: Sufferers should learn to recognize the symptoms of a relapse and know when to contact their doctor.Forecast: With proper treatment, most patients recover completely, although the condition may recur.
Medical therapy
The anti-inflammatory drug prednisone is primarily used to treat temporal arteritis. This medication is given in high doses to quickly treat inflammation. As the person’s condition improves, the dose is gradually reduced until the lowest effective dose is reached. However, in the event of a relapse, higher doses may be required again.
In addition to prednisone, the doctor may also prescribe methotrexate – a drug that suppresses the immune system. Methotrexate can effectively prevent relapses and reduce the required cortisone dose. However, the doctor only uses this medication after carefully weighing the risks and benefits.
A newer option for treating giant cell arteritis is the drug tocilizumab, which also reduces inflammation. It is injected under the skin. This medication may increase the risk of infection, so careful monitoring is required during treatment.
change of lifestyle
Treatment with corticosteroids can cause serious side effects such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure and muscle weakness. To counteract these side effects, it can be helpful to make lifestyle adjustments. So the doctor will likely monitor bone density and may prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplements or other medications to prevent bone loss. Regular exercise and exercise can also help minimize bone loss and maintain muscle function.
A healthy diet and adequate fluid intake are also important, as anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to water retention and high blood pressure. In some cases it may be necessary to consume less salt. It may also be helpful to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these substances can increase the side effects of anti-inflammatories.
Introspection and support
Treating giant cell arteritis requires a high degree of introspection. Treatment can last one to two years or longer. Some symptoms, particularly headaches, may recur during the reduction phase of therapy. It is important that those affected follow their doctor’s instructions carefully and have regular check-ups to ensure that the treatment is effective and to detect possible side effects early.
Sufferers should also learn to recognize the symptoms of a relapse and know when to contact their doctor. Since discontinuing anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to withdrawal symptoms, the dose should only be reduced in consultation with your doctor. In addition, it is important that those affected pay attention to their general health during treatment, get enough sleep, eat healthily and reduce stress as much as possible.
forecast
If treated promptly after symptoms appear, most patients recover completely, although the disease may recur. However, if vision loss has already occurred, it is unlikely that vision in the affected eye will improve. However, the unaffected eye can compensate for some of the visual changes.
Treatment may last one to two years or longer and may need to be continued for life. In some cases, after about two years, you can try to gradually stop treatment, but this is only possible in consultation with your doctor.