Causes of Flares
RA flares usually start suddenly and unexpectedly. Most times, there is no definable cause. In some cases, it is triggered by;
- Stress
- Injury
- Overuse
- Inadequate sleep
- Smoking
- Spinal infections [1]
- Changes in medication
Also, there are certain foods that have been said to increase inflammation and contribute to episodes of aggravated symptoms. These foods include;
- Gluten [2]
- Alcohol
- High sodium containing foods
- Dairy products
- Red meat
- Processed meat
- Sugar
- High-MSG foods [3]
In Addition to these trigger factors, excess physical activity can trigger your flare up. If you are a sporty person, or gym addict or you participate in activities that can result in sustaining injuries, ensure you follow protective guidelines diligently to prevent getting injured.
The longer you live with this disease, the better you get to understand your limits. This doesn’t mean you should totally abstain from every form of physical activity. It just means that you should not overwork your body and joints.
Also, airborne toxins can trigger an episode of flare up. Asides from inhaling smoke from cigarettes, some harmful substances that cause flare ups include harsh chemicals such as some household cleaners. To prevent this, you should switch to environmentally safe cleaners.
If you live in densely populated cities and areas with high levels of air pollution and smog, stay indoors during periods of poor air quality. If it is necessary to leave your home, you can make use of a nose mask to minimize your risks of inhaling toxic substances in the air.