Rheumatology remains neglected subject: Doctor

Kochi: In this state which boasts of having high health standards in terms of availability of quality medical care, rheumatology remains a neglected subject and continues to be a poorly recognized specialty, according to experts of Rheumatology Medicine.

On World Arthritis Day on Wednesday, medical experts stressed the urgent need to improve facilities for the treatment of rheumatic ailments in the state.

“There is an absolute lack of awareness on rheumatic diseases and scarcity of trained and dedicated rheumatologists. The state has only a very few rheumatologists which affects disease prevention and quality of proper treatment,” said Dr. George Kallarackal, consultant rheumatologist, Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi.

There are nearly 160 different forms of arthritis with each of them having different outcomes and treatment strategies.

“Autoimmune rheumatic diseases, wherein the body itself produces antibodies to destroy human tissues, can affect anyone, at any age, at any time though women going through perimenopause are at high risk.

Several factors contribute to the increasing prevalence of rheumatic ailments from lifestyle changes, increased life expectancy and even climate change,” added Dr. Kallarackal.

State health authorities should chalk out an immediate plan to resolve issues in arthritis care with the introduction of more courses and seats for rheumatology. Getting specific treatment and care from a properly trained rheumatologist is important to prevent disabilities due to this ailment, it has been observed.

Though arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the state, no proper data is available with health department authorities on the rate of rheumatic diseases as no documentation is being done.

Since no complete cure is possible, prevention, early detection and better management are advisable.