What is the common treatment for a patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis suffering acute flare?

In the context of an acute flare of rheumatoid arthritis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used as first-line treatment. NSAIDs help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve function during these acute episodes. Their action is rapid, which makes them suitable for managing acute symptoms effectively.

While glucocorticoids can also be employed to manage acute flares due to their anti-inflammatory properties, they are typically reserved for more severe cases or when NSAIDs are insufficient or contraindicated. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are essential for long-term management of rheumatoid arthritis and help prevent disease progression, but they do not provide immediate relief during acute flares. Antibiotics are not relevant in this scenario as they are used to treat infections, not inflammatory arthritis. Thus, the choice of NSAIDs aligns well with the need for rapid symptom control during an acute episode.