The Salt Lake Tribune, Tuesday, August 21,1962 | Dr. Va Dallen: yo Why Rheumatoid ‘Tama victim of rheuma- the toid arthritis,” C. R. writes. | “My doctor tells me this di-_ infection, but I = don’t under-. Stand just what type. Can | tell me I picked up. the . germs my grandchil- ee for the family? Van Dellen dren and cook ‘iD. “While I’m on the subject, I’d like to express my gratitude to the medical. profesSion for oral cortisone. I know I would be in a wheel- | chair if it were not for this | drug. TG is expensive but rm glad to spend my money ~ on it, and do without other things. me The cause of theumatoid: arthritis is not known. At. one time, infections were blamed, but newer theories center about heredity and hypersensitivity to certain immune bodies in the blood. BUT THIS reader need not be concerned, even if we were to go back to the time when infections were considered the culprits in rheuma- toid arthritis. In such in- stances, the causative organisms initiated the disease, and then disappeared from the body. failed to Careful find swollen joints ikeye" and whether it is safe for me to visit painful, rthritis? such studies micro- organisms in the involved joints or other tissues. AS A RESULT, rheumatoid arthritis cannot be passed along during contacts with other members of the family. This type of arthritis is a generalized condition, and may be affected, but not to represent a reaction to interthe Same extent. | nal changes. No one knows ‘The relief of. pain followwhy the smaller joints are ing the use of corticosteroids usually involved, especially - such as cortisone is dramatic. those of aa hands, wae’ , It is unfortunate that these and feet.. products do not cure the _ Other letats and tissues _ disease. sease is due to you how 9g — 12-Year-Old Bedwetter