Category : Rheumatology
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease of the joints which are inflammatory (pain, stiffness and /or swelling) in nature and sometimes may have different organ involvement. It is an autoimmune disease and may be precipitated by a viral illness eg. Chikungunya, dengue etc or in most cases the etiology is not known. It is NOT a transmissible disease and in 5% of the cases there may be a familial association of autoimmunity. It can affect any age group form childhood (termed as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis) to an elderly person.
What are the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
It is a disease of pain and it is the predominant symptoms. Patients with pain often have difficulty in performing their Day to day activity such as basic needs as well as loss of work days. Hence it is important for patients not to underplay their pain as it is a sign of active disease. Some experience feverishness, fatigue and weight loss as accompaniments to pain. Some other symptoms include redness of eyes, dry eyes, cough, skin rash, tingling and numbness in extremities which are termed as involvement of organ systems beyond joints (extrarticular). Early identification of Rheumatoid Arthritis, management with disease modifying drugs, and long-term planning of treatment essential for comprehensive management and to improve patient outcomes.
Why is it important to meet a Rheumatologist early in the course of disease?
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systemic disease and the more uncontrolled the inflammation, the more is the long term morbidity. It is a cardiovascular risk factor just like diabetes and hypertension. Early intervention can prevent deformities that could happen with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
What is the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthrits is treated with disease modifying drugs (Called DMARDs), small molecules and biologicals. Steroids in smaller doses are often used for rescue pain or in patients with severe extrarticular involvement. Steroids and pain killers alone are not the definitive treatment options in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Alternative medicines ( ayurvedic and Homeopathic) medications are available as well but at present the best scientific evidence is available for allopathic medications alone. Patients often fear side effects of allopathic medications but with proper monitoring and patient education all adverse effects can be minimised for a better patient outcome. Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis under the right care are expected to have a normal social, professional and family life. Medications adjustment will be required in a patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis who is planning a family.
Diet & Lifestyle:
At present, there is no specific dietary modifications in Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, studies are being done to look into this aspect. Some patients experience exacerbations of symptoms with diet containing high protein but this may not be uniform across all patients.
It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle with gentle exercises of the affected joints.
Patients are often worried about the economic burden of the disease due to lack of insurance or Governmental support for these diseases under various schemes. An attempt is being made by professional bodies to increase awareness and notify the Government regarding this aspect. At present with proper care, early identification of the disease, the cost of treatment can be minimised.