[Symptomatic therapy of rheumatic diseases. How they reduce pain and thereby safe costs]

The leading symptom of rheumatic diseases is pain. Further common symptoms are swelling, restricted mobility and joint deformation. The aim of treatment is freedom from pain and unrestricted function of the affected parts, together with improved quality of life. Amelioration of pain usually succeeds with the so-called non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In 10% of the cases, however, these can lead to gastric bleeding and perforation necessitating emergency hospitalization. Approximately 10% of patients with complicated ulcers die. COX-2-inhibitors have an analgesic action equal to that of conventional NSAIDs, but cause appreciably fewer gastrointestinal complications. Comedication of NSAIDs and misoprostol or omeprazole also has a gastric protective effect. Concomitant treatments, provision of aids and relevant information about the disease and its course, help to secure a good outcome. In the last resort, when conservative treatment fails, surgical intervention becomes necessary.