Doctors said understanding the onset, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of rheumatoid arthritis in the youth was crucial for a better life.
Published May 13, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated May 13, 2024 | 7:00 AM
(Representational image/Creative Commons)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had over time come to be perceived as a condition affecting only the elderly.
However, it can also strike young adults, as seen in more and more cases, thus presenting unique challenges and considerations.
Doctors South First spoke to stressed that understanding the onset, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of RA in youngsters was crucial for effective treatment and improved quality of life.
“RA used to be known as a disease of the elderly. It typically manifested between 30 and 50 years of age,” noted Dr Kumar M, an orthopaedic, adding: “However, it is now being seen as early as 18 years as well and within 30 years.”
He noted: “It can be treated — and has a better prognosis when presenting in younger ages — by starting early treatment so that the joint can be preserved.”
Did you know rheumatoid arthritis could affect the lungs, heart, and eyes as well?
Dr Somashekar SA, a consultant rheumatologist from Hosmat Hospital in Bengaluru, said RA was an autoimmune disease affecting joints.
The body’s immune system attacks healthy cells, causing inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected areas, he explained.
“RA can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the small joints of the wrists, hands, and feet,” explained Somashekar.
He added that apart from joints, the disease can also affect the heart, lungs, and eyes.
While the exact cause of RA remains unclear, it is widely believed to be a result of a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.
Doctors explained that rheumatoid arthritis usually starts with mild or moderate inflammation affecting just a few joints.
However, if it is not treated or the treatments are not working, RA can worsen and affect more joints. This can lead to more damage and disability.
Young individuals, however, might dismiss early symptoms of RA as minor ailments.
Somashekar said some common symptoms of RS include joint pain and swelling, often initially affecting small joints such as fingers and toes.
Others can be stiffness and redness noticed in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Meanwhile, it can also cause generalised fatigue as well. “It can also lead to long-lasting damage and disability,” said Somashekar.
“While it is an autoimmune condition, heredity, lifestyle, smoking, a lack of exercise, and hormonal changes can be some of the possible reasons for RA,” he explained.
“Interestingly this condition is seen mostly in women than men. It can even occur at the early age of five years. Some individuals are genetically more predisposed to develop this condition,” he added.
“It is important to create awareness about the disease. People often come to a rheumatologist when some damage has happened. Late onset of treatment can reduce the quality of life and impact the person’s mobility and ability to work normally,” explained Dr Manoj Kumar, the dean and director of Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Bengaluru.
Dr Manoj Kumar explained to South First that these blood tests can help in diagnosing RA:
Currently, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, said the doctors. However, there are treatment modalities that can help reduce the symptoms, slow the disease’s progression, and prevent joint damage.
“There is no guaranteed way to prevent rheumatoid arthritis, but there are some things one can do to reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis,” explained Somshekar.
He said if one could bring the following changes to their life, they could lower the risk of developing this condition by around 40 percent:
Certain occupations are associated with increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis, given their exposure to organic or inorganic inhalants.
Examples include inhalation of pesticides by farmers, coal dust in miners, textile dust, and silica dust. If possible, avoid exposure to these environmental triggers.
Setting your office ergonomically can prevent sore joints. The back, legs, and arms need to be well supported. Take regular breaks while working long hours and go for a walk.
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation of the gums. Some studies have found an association between chronic inflammation periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
One needs to maintain calcium and Vitamin D levels in the healthy range to avoid this.
“Most of the joint damage occurs within two years of the disease onset, and you will have good results if your diagnosis and treatment begin within six months of your first symptom,” said Somashekar.
(Edited by Arkadev Ghoshal)
