IMMUNOLOGY and Rheumatology services started at DMCH

Ludhiana, July 26, 2013: Department of Medicine at DMCH has recently started Immunology and Rheumatology services for the patients suffering from Rheumatic or musculo-skeletal diseases, which in simple terminology means “Arthritis”.

Dr Amit Kansal (DM, Clinical Immunology), who has recently joined as a Consultant Rheumatologist at DMCH, informed that Rheumatic Diseases comprise a group of disorders of the connective tissue, joints and bones in which musculo-skeletal pain and stiffness are the prominent symptoms. Rheumatic diseases affect people of all ages and are the commonest cause of physical impairment in both young and as well as old people. DMCH is running Immunology Clinic in General OPD on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and in Private OPD on all other days except Sunday.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a common Rheumatological condition in the Indian population. It affects 1% of the population in India. In Rheumatoid Arthritis, multiple joints are painful, swollen and are tender to touch. The other important symptom in the disease is early morning stiffness in the joints. Among the full range of rheumatological disorders that are is seen in India, the commonest conditions are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Children may also get affected from arthritis and other connective tissue diseases, which should be managed by expert rheumatologists.

There are a variety of treatments available for individuals who suffer from arthritis. Most are non-surgical and are designed to alleviate pain and allow maximum function in daily life. Nowadays, a number of new medications exist that suppress arthritis very well and improve quality of life to normal. Delay in treatment can cause joints damage which leads to loss of function. Other useful measures like physical therapy, relaxation therapy, exercises and leading a healthy lifestyle can also help manage the effects of arthritis.

It is advisable that if a person experiences any of the following, he/she needs to contact rheumatologist immediately:

•        Pain, stiffness, warmth, redness or swelling at the joints (of the wrist, fingers, neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles and feet)

•         Fatigue/ generalised body aches, muscle weakness

•         Occasional or prolonged fever (PUO)

•         Pain or stiffness in the morning (lasting more than 30 minutes)

•         Arthritis with skin rash, oral ulcers, hair loss

•         Skin psoriasis with joints pain

•         Low back pain / Spondylitis