BEWARE! If you usually have joint pain and swelling in both hands or wrists lasting for more than six weeks, early morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, feeling tired, low-grade fever and weight loss, do not take them lightly.
They are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
RA refers to an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints.
An individual with RA symptoms should seek help and treatment from a rheumatologist, a medical doctor who specialises in treating arthritis and other joint conditions.
According to rheumatologist Dr Ng Kooi Heng, who is the head of rheumatology unit (medical department) at Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim in Sungai Petani, Kedah, RA disease also means the patient is having antibodies attacking his or her own joints causing joint pain and swelling regularly.
“If left untreated, the joints will be damaged and deformed thus affecting patient’s daily activity and quality of life.
“It might also affect other body parts as well such as heart attack, skin ulcer, lungs damage, eye damage and nerve problem as well.
“Until now, the cause of RA disease is still unknown but some factors such as genetics, smoking, obesity, hormones, infections, silica or textile exposure have all been postulated.
“Worldwide, RA affects about 1% of the total population, more prevalent among female than male in about 3:1 ratio. It also usually involves the 40 to 50 age group.
“However, like any other disease, early detection is vital to treat and prevent the progression of RA and with the technology advancement in terms of RA treatment nowadays, the patient can be back to normal life,” Dr Ng told Buletin Mutiara when contacted recently.
He also explains that treatment of RA also includes a special group of medicine called disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
“The DMARDs promote disease remission and prevent progressive joint destruction.
“It is usually in tablet form, but can also be given by injection.
“I also would like to clarify that until now, there is no scientific evidence that shows traditional treatment such as acupuncture is effective against RA disease. Thus, please consult a rheumatologist,” added Dr Ng.
Dr Ng also shares that there are four general principles that are very important to prevent any autoimmune diseases.
“They are by having a good sleep, healthy diet, regular exercise and good mood. After all, prevention is better than cure,” he said.
Apart from that, Dr Ng also shares that rheumatology is a branch of medicine devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
“And the top five frequent rheumatic diseases that rheumatologists usually encounter are rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthropathy and ankylosing spondylitis.
“In the northern region of the country, there are three rheumatology centres available in public hospitals, namely Penang Hospital, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah (Alor Star) and Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim in Sungai Petani.
“Therefore, for those staying in the northern region and need any rheumatology services, they can go to any of the hospitals above for treatment.
“Remember, the earlier the treatment, the better the outcome!” concluded Dr Ng.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian and Dr Ng Kooi Heng