Expert Insights by Dr. Rishabh Nanavati

If you are experiencing symptoms of rheumatic disease as mentioned above a visit to a rheumatologist is needed. As the first weeks and months following the onset of symptoms are known as the “window of opportunity “ and its crucial that patients get diagnosed and get appropriate treatment i this time frame to avoid long term complications (joint damage and deformity)

Rheumatic diseases, whether inflammatory or non-inflammatory, can reduce life expectancy and impact quality of life. Therefore, appropriate treatment is needed to minimize mortality. However, it is recommended that co-morbidities such as hypertension and high blood fats be reviewed regularly.

The fear of medication is perfectly reasonable . Fears can also be based on lack of information or misinformation. People seem to be more scared of the medication than the disease which in actuality should be the other way round. Side effect of the disease is 100% if not treated leading to joint damage and deformity and significant organ involvement in more serious rheumatic diseases. Fear of potential side effects effects results in patients discontinuing or sporadically taking their tablets which allows time for the disease to flare or developing resistance to the tablets. Hence open lines of communication is Side effects of any medication is 2-3 % which can be managed with regular follow ups and assessing lab parameters.