Arthralgia

Definition

Arthralgia is the medical term for joint pain, which can be a symptom of various conditions. It is important to distinguish from arthritis, which involves inflammation in addition to pain.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Histamine blockers and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are not typically used to treat arthralgia directly but may be prescribed if joint pain is a side effect of medications that cause hyperacidity.
2. Certain medications used for treating hyperacidity, like PPIs, may rarely cause arthralgia as a side effect.
3. Patients experiencing unexplained arthralgia while on histamine blockers or PPIs should consult their healthcare provider for assessment and potential alternative treatments.
4. Management of arthralgia often requires addressing the underlying cause rather than just treating the symptoms with analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs.
5. It is essential for nurses to monitor patients for any new onset of joint pain when they start on histamine blockers or PPIs.

Review Questions

• What are some common causes of arthralgia?
• Can histamine blockers and proton-pump inhibitors cause arthralgia as a side effect?
• How should a nurse respond if a patient reports new onset joint pain while taking medication for hyperacidity?

Related terms

Histamine Blockers: Medications that reduce stomach acid by blocking histamine receptors.

Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Drugs that reduce stomach acid by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for its production.

Hyperacidity: A condition characterized by excessive stomach acid production leading to discomfort and potential ulcers.