Rheumatology & Immunology Services started at DMCH

Ludhiana, November 30, 2018: Rheumatology and Immunology services for patients suffering from rheumatic diseases,like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, SLE, Scleroderma,Sjogren Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Vasculitis, etc. was recently started at DMCH. Dr Vikas Gupta, who has pursued DM (Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology) from SGPGIMS, Lucknow, has recently joined as consultant rheumatologist & immunologist at DMCH. He said that rheumatic diseases are disorders resulting from disturbances of immune system that affect joints, bones, and muscles of the body resulting in musculoskeletal pain and stiffness.

“Rheumatoid Arthritis is a common rheumatic disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness predominantly in joints of hands and feet but can also affect other joints including shoulders, elbows, knees and ankles. It can occur at any age and women are affected more commonly than men. Ankylosing Spondylitis is another common rheumatic disease which usually affects young people (more commonly men) with low backache. SLE is an autoimmune disease which usually affects young women with skin rash, oral ulcers, hair loss and arthritis. Other autoimmune rheumatic diseases include Sjogren Syndrome which causes dry eyes and dry mouth, and Scleroderma which causes skin thickening and bluish discoloration of fingers on exposure to cold”, said Dr Gupta.

“Arthritis (joint swelling) can also occur in diseases like Psoriasis, and after infections like Chikungunya and Dengue fever. Children and adolescents can also be affected by various forms of arthritis. Recent advances in treatment have made it possible for patients to have good control of joint pain and swelling. However, it is important to recognize these diseases early for effective treatment to ensure good quality of lifeand prevent joint deformities”, added Dr Gupta.

When you may need to consult a rheumatologist?

· Pain, swelling and/or early morning stiffness of joints (hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, or feet)

· Low back pain (particularly in young/middle aged)

· Skin rash associated with oral ulcers, or hair loss

· Skin thickening or bluish discoloration of fingers

· Joint pain after dengue or chikungunya fever

· Joint pain with psoriasis

· Prolonged fever

· Recurrent infections

· Widespread body pain