Rise of rheumatic diseases, a cause of concern

Warangal: The growing complaints of rheumatic disease (RD) are a cause of concern in the healthcare sector. As people across the globe observe ‘World Arthritis Day’ on October 12, the buzzword is ‘Don't Delay, Connect Today’, aimed at raising awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

In India, the prevalence of RD is increasing drastically both in urban and rural areas. It may be noted here that around 15 per cent people are affected by the RD which totals to about 18 crore people.

Although Rheumatology is an emerging specialty in the country, Rheumatic diseases are often lumped under the term arthritis. There are more than 30 inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Vasculitis, Gout, Scleroderma, Juvenile arthritis etc under its umbrella.

The prevalence of RD is substantially high among Indian women compared to men drawing attention of healthcare providers. Kids are also be affected by the RD indicating that age or gender is no bar for the malady. According to a survey, India is likely to become arthritis capital of the world by 2025.

Despite RD affecting a huge chunk of the population, rheumatology in the country is still in its infancy. Till a few years ago, people used to consult the orthopaedic surgeons for their RD complaints. However, with the advent of rheumatology, people are now making a beeline to the rheumatologists.

“A rheumatologist differs from orthopaedic. Rheumatic diseases are those where the body's defence mechanism which should normally protect it from external infections, attacks the body itself,” Dr A Naresh, a Consultant Rheumatologist at the Sri Medilife Hospital in Hanamkonda, told The Hans India.

Medical treatment has advanced tremendously with the availability of a variety of new potent drugs replacing old methods and drugs, including steroids and pain killers, he said, stating that treatment is tailored according to the specific condition, its symptoms and severity in the patient. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is crucial to prevent long term joint or organ damage, he said.

Referring to the lifestyle, Dr Naresh said that healthy diet, regular exercise and stress management all play a key role in disease. Some of the symptoms of rheumatic diseases: 1) Joint pains and swelling in one or more joints. 2) Stiffness around joints that lasts for at least one hour, starting in the early morning. 3) Skin rashes, hair loss, fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, severe fatigue. Alone a rheumatologist will have a clear picture of the rheumatic diseases.

Contact Dr Naresh, the consultant Rheumatologist, if you have any of the abovementioned symptoms. He is available on mobile numbers 99662 32150, 99662 32151 and 094928 31111.