Causes and risk factors
Exact cause of still’s disease is unknown. Autoimmunity may have a role in causing the disease. It affects women more than men. It occurs in adults before the age of 45.
Clinical presentation
Patient presents with sore throat which is severe, continuous, burning. Fever around 102 °F that comes on suddenly mostly in the afternoon or evening is observed. Pink salmon coloured rash on trunk, upper arms and legs, face is observed. The rash is in spots which are flat or raised bumps. Painful, swollen joints especially knee and wrist with muscle pain is experienced by the patient. There is stiffness of joints in the morning. Associated symptoms like abdominal pain and swelling, pain while breathing, swollen glands and unexplained weight loss can be present.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Blood tests such as CBC, CRP, ESR are recommended. Rheumatoid factor, liver function tests may be advised. Imaging studies like USG, CT scan of abdomen, X ray of joints may be useful for further evaluation.
Treatment
Treatment involves giving symptomatic relief to the patient. Medications like paracetamols, analgesics, NSAIDs help in reducing fever, pain and inflammation. Steroids may be given to manage severe arthritis.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating still’s disease. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating still’s disease.
Facts and figures
Less than 1 in 100000 people in the world develop still’s disease.
