There are two separate types of medications that treat symptoms: corticosteroids (Prednisone) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen) and disease modifying medications like immuno-supressants. Physical therapy, staying active, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy diet can aid in relief of symptoms.
For more information you can visit the Arthritis Foundation.
Endometriosis is a medical condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus begins to grow outside of the uterus. During the menstrual cycle the tissue tries to thicken and exit the body but since it is outside the uterus it cannot and causes pain, irritation and scarring. Endometriosis can only be officially diagnosed by surgery to confirm the growth of tissue outside the uterus. During surgery if growths are found they are removed. It can be treated using hormones such as birth control, and surgery may be needed multiple times to control growths and pain. In rare cases when surgeries and hormones cannot control the symptoms a hysterectomy will be preformed. Due to the scarring of the growths, besides pain, the only complication of the condition is infertility. The disorder can affect women at any age during reproductive years. For more information or support go to The Endometriosis Association.
Autoimmune Pancreatitis:
Autoimmune pancreatitis is a chronic inflammation thought to be caused by the body's immune system attacking the pancreas. The disease affects not only the pancreas, but also the bile ducts in the liver, as well as the salivary glands, kidneys and lymph nodes. Autoimmune pancreatitis is a rare disease and can be mistakenly diagnosed as pancreatic cancer. Both conditions have similar signs and symptoms, but very different treatments, so it is crucial to distinguish one from another. Autoimmune pancreatitis is treated with steroids, which improve the condition in many people, often dramatically. Information c/o Mayo Clinic, for more information please visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/autoimmune-pancreatitis/)
