"What Should One Be Aware of with Ankylosing Spondylitis?"
Matters needing attention for ankylosing spondylitis mainly include diet, daily life care, and medication. Here are the details:
I. Diet
1. Light and Easy-to-Digest Foods: Patients should avoid spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. They can moderately consume foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as eggs and tomatoes, which help enhance the immune system.
2. Balanced Nutrition: Patients should also maintain a balanced diet, including an adequate intake of fresh fruits and vegetables like apples and spinach. Additionally, they can supplement with calcium-rich foods like milk and shrimp shells.
II. Daily Life Care
In daily life, patients should pay attention to resting and avoiding excessive fatigue, as this may exacerbate their condition. Moreover, they should keep warm to avoid getting cold and regularly undergo checkups at the hospital to monitor their recovery.
III. Medication
If patients experience pain, they can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs under a doctor's guidance, such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets. In severe cases, they may also be prescribed glucocorticoid drugs like dexamethasone or methylprednisolone.
In addition, patients should ensure sufficient rest, avoid staying up late for extended periods, and guarantee ample sleep. If they experience any significant discomfort, they should seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying treatment.