Disease Flares Are Common in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis

U.S.News & World Report—June 23, 2017

U.S.News & World Report interviewed HSS rheumatologist Vivian P. Bykerk, BSc, MD, FRCPC on the cause of rheumatoid arthritis flares.

"It is not always clear what causes a flare," said Dr. Bykerk. "Sometimes a patient's disease hovers between good control and slight worsening. People who are not in deep remission are more likely to flare. Also, reduction in medication use, either because of [patient] problems with compliance or because of intentional reduction, can be associated with flares."

"Other factors can also be involved, such as a recent viral infection, difficult life events, poor diet, etc," she added.

However, Dr. Bykerk said that flares are frequent events and it is not uncommon for patients to experience a flare between physician visits.

Read the full article at health.usnews.com