Ask the Experts: multiple sclerosis relapse prevention

Doctors don’t know what causes MS, so there’s no way to prevent it. There are ways to prevent flare-ups, like avoiding heat, monitoring medications and more. In this video, Sharecare Medical Advisor, Kevin Soden, MD, explains ways to prevent relapse.

Transcript

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MAN: Because scientists don't know what causes multiple sclerosis, it's

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impossible to prevent it from happening. But if you have been diagnosed, there are things you can do to prevent having a relapse.

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Relapses or flare-ups come when there is some type of stress on the immune system. So prevention is key.

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Stress is a big factor that many patients find can worsen their symptom. Trying yoga, meditation, and even psychological counseling,

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can help keep stress to a minimum. Smoking is another risk factor for MS flare-ups. So if you are smoking, quitting can

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help reduce inflammation and make you healthier all around. Every case of MS is different, but many patients

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are susceptible to heat. If heat is a trigger for you, you may want to avoid living in extremely hot climates,

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or using hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas. You should also stay away from long hot showers or baths

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and exercising in the heat. Medication can also cause problems for MS patients. Taking certain specific for rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's

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disease can spur new symptoms, as can taking too many medications that interact with each other

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to cause symptoms. Finally, infections are responsible for almost a third of MS flare-ups, so proper hygiene is key.

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Get a flu shot every year, avoid being around people who may be sick, and washing your hands regularly