Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, test results are available online through the center’s website at www.rcr.ir. Additionally, if necessary, you can arrange to receive a paper copy of your treatment outcomes (tests, etc.) via courier or postal service.
By searching "Iran Rheumatology Center" on Google Maps, you can locate the center and view its geographical position. Other routes leading to the Iran Rheumatology Center include:
- Via Enqelab Square – Kargar North Street – above Fatemi.
- Via Fatemi Square – Fatemi Street – Kargar North Street.
- Via Gisha Bridge – Jalal Al-e Ahmad Street – Kargar North Street – below the Heart Center.
The center is also accessible via the metro stations: Tarbiat Modares Station and Kargar Station.
Yes. By contacting the center’s phone numbers or through its official website at rcr.ir, you can proceed with this matter.
Most rheumatic diseases do not prevent pregnancy, except for conditions such as lupus, collagen vascular diseases, vasculitis, or polymyositis.
While patients with these conditions can become pregnant, their pregnancy may carry risks. Therefore, it is essential for them to consult their physician. Medications may need to be adjusted, and the disease must be in complete remission. For example, pregnancy is typically permitted if lupus has been inactive for at least 6 months. During pregnancy, patients must be regularly monitored by their doctor, and medications should be carefully managed. Note that pregnancy may reactivate certain diseases, particularly lupus. Close coordination between the patient’s rheumatologist and obstetrician is critical, and consultation with a rheumatologist is mandatory before planning pregnancy.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who plan to become pregnant must consult their physician before conception, as medications like methotrexate should be discontinued at least three months prior to pregnancy.
In individuals predisposed to diabetes, prednisolone is one of the medications that can trigger diabetes or elevate blood sugar levels in those already diagnosed. This effect depends on the dosage, which we aim to minimize for all patients, especially those with diabetes. While prednisolone may be necessary, patients must monitor for side effects such as diabetes.
In the past, when modern treatments were unavailable, life expectancy was significantly lower. Today, with treatments like prednisolone, lupus patients can expect to live as long as individuals without lupus, unless they face severe complications requiring aggressive therapies, which may slightly reduce life expectancy. Nevertheless, it remains far higher than in previous decades.
Any rheumatic disease, including lupus, can flare up again. While rheumatic diseases are managed, lupus may reactivate if a patient stops their medication abruptly, experiences significant stress, or contracts another illness. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your physician in such cases. Never adjust drug dosages or discontinue treatment without medical guidance.
Dry mouth is a symptom associated with rheumatic diseases. Normally, around 30% of individuals, especially those over 50, may experience dry mouth naturally. In some cases, dry mouth occurs alongside rheumatic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, etc., leading to dryness of mucous membranes (e.g., mouth, eyes, or other areas).
If you experience dry mouth, particularly if accompanied by dry eyes, consult a physician immediately.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation and pain. It typically appears symmetrically (e.g., both knees). In contrast, osteoarthritis results from the wear and tear of joint cartilage, usually due to aging, physical injuries, or obesity. It involves less inflammation and is often unilateral or limited to specific joints.
Common symptoms include:
- Joint pain or stiffness (especially morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes).
- Swelling, redness, or warmth in the joints.
- Unusual fatigue
- Low-grade fever without a cause
- Limited joint mobility
If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should consult a rheumatologist.
Yes. Tests such as anti-CCP antibodies and rheumatoid factor (RF) are used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis Inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP and ESR) and antibodies associated with other diseases (e.g., antinuclear antibodies [ANA] for lupus) are also helpful. However, a definitive diagnosis requires combining test results, physical examination, and imaging (e.g., X-rays or MRI).
Yes. Certain dietary changes may help reduce inflammation:
- Consuming omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., salmon).
- Reducing red meat and refined sugars.
- Increasing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
However, diet is not a substitute for medication and should be adjusted in consultation with your physician.
Most rheumatic diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) are chronic and have no definitive cure. However, symptoms can be controlled and disease progression prevented through appropriate medications (e.g., corticosteroids, immune-modulating drugs, or biologics), physiotherapy, and a healthy lifestyle Early diagnosis plays a key role in improving quality of life.