Final answer:
Trexatine is effective for autoimmune diseases but increases systolic blood pressure, posing risks for patients with hypertension. Chronic use of anti-inflammatory drugs like Aspirin has undesirable side effects, including potential gastrointestinal bleeding and masking symptoms of infection. Aging factors complicate autoimmune disease management due to age-related changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of the medication Trexatine to treat autoimmune disease flare-ups presents a challenge for treating medical professionals, particularly when the patient has pre-existing high blood pressure. While immune system conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus require medications that have immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties, these medications, including steroids like cortisol, often come at the cost of unwanted side effects. One such side effect is the elevation of Systolic Blood Pressure, as seen with Trexatine, which on average, raises it by 12.93 points.
This increase poses a significant health risk, especially when considering disorders like hypertension and atherosclerosis, where maintaining a controlled blood pressure is crucial. In these cases, the choice of medication must be carefully considered, balancing the control of autoimmune symptoms against the potential exacerbation of cardiovascular risk factors.
Predicting Undesirable Consequences
Regular use of anti-inflammatory drugs leads to various undesirable consequences. For instance, while Aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), helps in inhibiting blood clot formation, its chronic use can mask signs of infection due to the down-regulation of the inflammatory response, and may contribute to an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Autoimmune Diseases and Aging
As a person ages, factors like declining cellular function and systemic inflammation play a role in compromised physical functioning. These age-related changes contribute to the progression of autoimmune diseases and other health conditions, making careful management of medication side effects even more important in elderly populations.